Midland Jail Inmates Graduate from HOPE Program

The 40-hour course focuses on accountability, mental health, and community reintegration.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:07pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the criminal justice system and the challenges faced by those seeking to break the cycle of incarceration.The HOPE program in Midland aims to help incarcerated individuals break the cycle of recidivism and reintegrate into the community.Midland Today

Eight inmates at the Midland County Jail have graduated from the Pathways to H.O.P.E. (Helping Offender Pursue Excellence) program, a five-day voluntary course that guides participants through mindset change and connecting with resources to aid their reentry into the community.

Why it matters

The HOPE program is part of Midland County's commitment to providing incarcerated individuals with the tools and support they need to break the cycle of recidivism and become productive members of society upon release.

The details

The HOPE program is led by program director Tom Cruz, a former Army interrogator, and assistant director Steven Oliphant, a retired Dallas police officer. The course covers topics such as personal accountability, mental health, financial literacy, and family nurturing, with the goal of helping participants develop a new mindset and access community resources. After completing the 40-hour course, graduates can pursue an 18-month mentorship program.

  • The second class of the HOPE program graduated on April 10, 2026.
  • The program offers a 40-hour course every two months.

The players

Tom Cruz

The program director of the Pathways to H.O.P.E. program, who served 26 years as an Army interrogator.

Steven Oliphant

The assistant director of the Pathways to H.O.P.E. program, who spent 25 years with the Dallas Police Department.

David Criner

The Midland County Sheriff, who brought the HOPE program to the county after learning of its success in other Texas counties.

Dianne Anderson

A Midland County Commissioner who congratulated the HOPE program participants on their willingness to move forward positively.

David Rogers

The 142nd District Court Judge, who congratulated the HOPE program participants but also reminded them to use the tools provided to avoid seeing him in the future.

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What they’re saying

“I actually held my fiancée hostage for seven hours. I don't remember the situation, and the parts I do remember are not good.”

— Tom Cruz, Program Director

“There were family members who tried to contact me. They couldn't talk me down. The police tried to talk me down. They made the situation worse. And so she had to, not only be a hostage but also deal with me at the time. She then had to deal with the police. She had to deal with other people to right the situation. So again, the only reason I'm alive today, and that she's alive today, was her ability to read the situation, communicate and get me out of there, and get me out of there safely.”

— Tom Cruz, Program Director

“I could be what was me, and be that veteran that sits in the corner that everyone says 'well, PTSD,' Or I could do what I was trained to do and how I was raised - to dust myself off, to figure out what was wrong with me and really take charge of my life.”

— Tom Cruz, Program Director

“I hope you use these tools, because next time I'm the one guy you never want to see.”

— David Rogers, 142nd District Court Judge

“You have allowed me to identify the trauma in my life. This class was the greatest because when you get the help, it allows you to stay out.”

— HOPE Program Participant

What’s next

The HOPE program graduates can now pursue an 18-month mentorship program to continue their reintegration into the community.

The takeaway

The HOPE program in Midland County is a proactive approach to reducing recidivism by providing incarcerated individuals with the resources and support they need to address underlying issues, develop a positive mindset, and successfully reenter society.