Forensic Psychologist Reveals Insights from Dangerous Offenders
Samantha Stein, a forensic psychologist, has spent years evaluating some of California’s most dangerous sexual offenders. Her work involves deciding whether these individuals should be released after serving their sentences or detained indefinitely under the controversial Sexually Violent Predator Act. Stein’s experiences, detailed in her new book, Evil At Our Table: Inside the Minds of the Monsters Who Live Among Us, reveal the emotional toll and ethical challenges of her role.
Stein’s journey began in 1997 when she started working with sex offenders during her training as a therapist. Initially focused on rehabilitation, she later transitioned to evaluations, where she faced the daunting task of determining the risk posed by these offenders to the community. “It was emotionally challenging to be exposed to the worst of what human beings can do to each other,” she shared during a recent interview.
Her first visit to a prison was an eye-opener. Contrary to her expectations of a sterile environment, Stein found herself walking amongst inmates, experiencing the oppressive atmosphere of overcrowded facilities. “The older prisons were noisy, overcrowded, depressing, and rough,” she recalled. This stark reality often weighed heavily on her, as she navigated interactions with individuals convicted of heinous crimes.
Throughout her career, Stein has evaluated numerous offenders, including child molesters and psychopaths. One encounter with an individual who had committed severe violent acts left a lasting impression. “It was a little scary, but more of what I felt was anger,” she explained. This mix of emotions influenced her assessments, as she struggled to balance empathy with the need for public safety.
During her time in this role, Stein conducted 120 evaluations over an 18-month period. Only 10% of those assessed met the criteria for indefinite hospitalization. This statistic underscores the difficulty of her job, as the stakes were high for both the offenders and the community. “If I made a mistake, it could mean a prisoner’s liberty indefinitely,” she stated, emphasizing the weight of her decisions.
Stein’s experiences often left her feeling vulnerable. She recounted moments of fear, particularly when meeting with high-risk offenders. Despite these challenges, she remained resolute in her work, recognizing the importance of her evaluations. “Fortunately, most of them were on their best behavior for me because they didn’t want to be indefinitely locked up,” she noted.
To cope with the emotional burden, Stein leaned on practices like yoga and meditation, as well as maintaining a nurturing home environment for her three children. “I didn’t want to sully my happy home life with the disturbing and distressing things I’d been dealing with at work,” she explained. This struggle to separate her professional and personal life ultimately contributed to her decision to step back from the role.
After nearly two decades in the field, Stein recognized that her work was taking a toll on her well-being. “I felt like there was too much darkness and that I needed to do something more hopeful and positive with my time,” she reflected. Despite the challenges, she remains proud of her contributions, believing that her efforts have made society a little safer.
Stein’s book aims to shed light on the complexities of dealing with sex offenders, encouraging readers to view them as human beings rather than mere monsters. “When you change the life of someone who is a violent criminal, you not only change that person’s life but all the potential lives that they interact with,” she emphasized.
Her unique insights and experiences bring a nuanced perspective to a difficult field and contribute to an ongoing discussion about public safety and rehabilitation. Evil At Our Table is now available for those interested in understanding the intricate dynamics of criminal psychology and the impact of these offenders on society.
