SYDNEY 18 (Reuters) -- Some of Australia's most violent criminals, including murderers, are to be taught "non-criminal thinking" in an attempt to subdue their violent behavior.

Up to 70 hardened criminals in jails in the state of New South Wales (NSW) will participate in the nine-month program involving psychologists, alcohol and drug workers, educators and prison staff, said NSW Justice Minister John Hatzistergos.

"If this program can stop violent behavior in a significant number of inmates, then both correctional officers and the community will be safer," Hatzistergos said in a statement received on Tuesday.

"Reducing the incidence of violence in custody may also reduce re-offending in the community," he said.

The NSW Serious Offenders Review Council will recommend which of the state's most violent prisoners will take part in the course at Sydney's maximum security Long Bay jail.

The course involves criminals admitting to their violent behavior and taking responsibility for it, learning anger management and non-criminal thinking, empathizing with victims, and learning to break their lifestyle cycle of crime.

But in case the program doesn't work, there's a backup.

To ensure the safety of psychologists teaching the criminals, cameras will monitor lessons and staff will have duress alarms, mobile radios and emergency exits and Long Bay prison's riot squad will also be on standby.