" I work at the prison. I am not a Officer. I work with the inmates in a class room setting. I facilitate the thinking skills of all human beings. I have found the inmates in my classes to be very interested in this skill. One of the topics we cover is respect. We have found that respect is not earned. It is given as a gift, and then is returned in kind. Otherwise, each side will always claim that respect was not given. Only YOU can decide to give respect. It must be given to everyone. It is a matter of personal integrity. It takes along time for others to realize it is a true change. It is hard, however, it is worth it.

I share this with you all, because I feel it is important for you to know that classes are offered in the prison, via Pathfinders wherein inmates are given the oppertunity to sign up and learn skills to start the change in their cognitive mind set. The men I have in my classes are very articulate, and ready to make changes in thier lives.

The officers I come in contact with dailey are very respectful men. I am sure there are some who are not, however, I have only worked with professional men. My hat is off to the skilled workers at SRCI. "

" Wish YOU hadn't left. You would have been such a positive influence to people and the prison. Take care kid. Glad to hear your doing good, couldn't wish it for a better person. "

" NO inmate "deserves" respect. Inmates are indeed human beings. However, some of them have lost that title by their own choices. Given that many of them are hardcore and choose not to rehabilitate because living on the inside is easier than being on the streets. On the other hand, many take the opportunity while doing time to seriously think about what they have done to get there and what they can do to keep themselves out of the cycle ( aside from fleeing to Mexico ). But to simply say ANY inmate, gang banger,and etc deserves respect makes my hair turn green. What a joke! Respect has to be earned.

People just don't fully understand the concept of being an officer if they have never been one and btw I hear thru informed sources the inmate lost part of his uh.... when the bullet hit home. Kudos to the rifleman

"

" WOW~ after reading all of these passionate blogs I felt compelled to add my two cents.

I myself have a family member in prison. I do not refer to this person as a loved one becasue of the hell and pain and torture they did to a loved one in my family. As for the comments saying they deserve respect, that is incorrect. Criminals did not respect the laws nor the people they did the crime against therefore they LOST the PRIVILEGE to be respected.

As for rehab- some criminals cannot be rehabilitated due to that criminals mental issues and/or the nature of their crime or their own ignorance of not wanting to be rehabilitated, so don't group all criminals in the same category of "rehab able".

Just as in ANY profession, there are good and bad people who let their job go to their head and believe they are above anyone else. Be it a burger flipper or an office staff employee or cashier at a store or any manager of any type of business, we are all guilty of letting success and "power" go to our heads.

I agree- we are not to judge those CO's who were involved in this shooting, we were not there, we do not know what compelled this officer to make the choice of "last resort". THey are trained and we have to trust that the CO's will and have done their job correctly. And if an officer IS NOT doing their job correctly then ODOC is dropping the ball for not either moving a CO to another position or providing a refresher course of their job and/or allowing them to continue employment with ODOC. I for one am more than willing to say that I could not do a CO's job, nor would I want to. I have great respect for those who can do that job. We are not to say "I could do a better job" because WE HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THAT JOB IS LIKE. Like someone mentioned earlier, walk a mile in that person's shoes-then you can critique.

I would like to think that the CO's would be respectful to those of you who visit inmates and I am so sorry for those of you who have not been treated by very nicely as a visitor-you should be. "Proud sister" who wrote earlier, hopefully you brought some awareness to the CO's who might be reading this to be more kind and remember what their duty is. At the same time if anyone (this is not being said to "Proud Sister") has given even one bit of an attitude to the CO's then they are NOT going to be overly kind and accomodating to you.

Also, one thing keeps coming to mind- to "inmates wife" who said you moved here because your spouse was up at SRCI-that was YOUR choice, so if you don't like it here then LEAVE. Stop complaining and pointing fingers and saying stupid and ridiculous things.

Let's keep in mind what this story was truly about......a fight that erupted and a shooting occurred. The story had to be told due to that when something like this happens we as citizens need to be made aware-simply put. "

" All hail the Almighty Media! It seems the general belief is, the media is influencing the people of the world and shaping how they view events, themselves, and their lives, and there is nothing people can do to stop it. In clinical terms this is called projection. It's where a person projects blame on something or someone to escape taking responsibility for their actions. The media is not almighty. Mass Media is based on the dissemination of words, pictures, or sounds to an observing audience. The key word in the last sentence is "observing." Without a willing observer the media becomes the tree that falls in the woods when no one is there and everyone asks does it make a sound. Of course it makes a sound but if no one hears it, no one really cares? We care about what media says because we pay attention to what it says. Media affects us because we make ourselves available to its influences and lies. The power to control the influence of media is not only in controlling what it delivers, but it is also in being able to ignore what it saying.

Doing time at the prison (officers) or doing time in the prison (inmates) aren't always what they're portrayed. "

" I apologize for addressing this issue in this blog. I am not wanting to comment on this specific situation. However recently I have recieved phone calls from people wanting to know if I am the person(s) who calls themselves "former employee" on this blog. To everyone, I am not. I appreciate all your concern(s)and support, but I am doing great and again I have not been commenting on this blog. Regardless of your status inside or outside the prison, I wish you and all your loved ones the best.

With all respect.
C.Gallagher "

" Hey proud sister, I am happy that you choose to stand by your brother, it gives him the strength to do his time. I praise you for that. Keep doing what you are doing. I know what you are going through, if you need to talk, just give me your email address. "

" As I have stated, I have worked in the prison system and these "inmates" (I don't like labeling people) are human beings just as much as everyone else in this world. As to the reason why I don't work in the prison system anymore, well, I have seen the "ugliness" of both sides, more from the Correctional Officers side to be quite honest but that is just one prison I know. It is not right that "some" of these officers treat the "inmates" like trash and disrespect them in ways that a "human being" should not be disrespected. I know they have done wrong and they are doing their time but it doesn't give the officers the right to treat the inmates like they do. No wonder the "inmates" have all this anger and resentment built inside of them and we wonder why they act the way they do. WHERE IS THE REHABILITATION IN THAT?!! I agree that families on both sides and the victims suffer the most but when are we going to start the rehabilitation process? I received my degrees in Criminal Justice and chose to walk that road but to be a part of the "WRONG DOINGS" of some officers (notice how I sad "some"), I refuse to have any part in that. So to all the officers that go by the book, I give you my respects, and for those that choose to let the job go to your head and you know who you are, go find another occupation. So, before anyone has any negative thoughts towards "inmates" and their wrong choices, ask yourself, would you still think that way if your loved one was locked up? "

" I have a brother at SRCI. I am not proud of what He did to be placed there, but he is serving his time. I, on the other hand, have done nothing wrong to be locked up. I have visited him at many of the prisons (He has been in awhile). At some, I have been treated with respect. I would not say the same about the way I have been treated while visiting at SRCI. It is true that some of the Officers let their job go to "their head" when they get the job. Others stay realistic, and don't get a "God" complex the minute they put on a uniform. I admitted, my brother did the crime, He deserves to do the time. I, on the other hand, did not do the crime, and don't deserve to be treated with such contempt, when I go to visit. I am a law abiding citizen, that spends my hard earned money to drive a long ways for visits. Phone calls cost me a fortune to have my brother call me collect. Who is making the money off of these collect calls? -- at least $20 a call for 30 minutes. Then, at several of the prisons, we have to pay to rent a little locker to put out things in-- car keys, purse, etc. The families of the inmates are truely the ones that suffer, just as much as the victims of crimes. We do not get to choose our families, but we are to love them and try to help them do right once released. We do care about our loved ones that are called inmates. And, I used to like going to visit. My brother would make sure the officers treated me with respect. Now, they just put him in the hole if he complains if an officer is disrespectful to me. I am old school, where we help our friends and neighbors, and do the right thing. I believe in showing inmates with the respect I deserve. And, I also agree with another blogger, they are human beings. Remember, Martha Stewart got to spend her time in prison, did she deserve to be man handled and treated badly while there? Also, for the 3 squares a day, Right now they are getting peanut butter and jelly sandwhiches x2 a day. That is what their meals consist of. Is any one taking into consideration the nutritional needs of diabetics and such? "

" To whoever commented on my last entry Obviously you didnt read my first statement then I did NO bashing of officers and actually I have respect for those who give it ... I even praised a few .. Your right they dont have to worry about their meals everyday but I would rather worry about where my food comes from then worry about if Im going to die from the chemicals ...Also I never said that the inmates were at SRCI for No reason I openly admit that every inmate is there for a reason including My HUSBAND ... A Jury of Peers huh well obviously that goes without saying because in any case its never a jury of peers espically in small towns but thats neither here nor there as far as doing something about it I guess that Masters in CJ (ohh thats Criminal Justice if you dont know ) and Behavioral Science does look pretty and such ... Trust me it takes One person to change another .. And just because you were born in America doesnt give you the right to judge anyone as I stated in my first response I hope NOONE that has made negative statements here has to ever have a loved one in that postion maybe then your outlook will change when your faced with it . If you dont know it or live it YOU HAVE NO CLUE .. as far as trash talk this isnt anything Im being nice and respectful ..

Im glad your a Proud Officers wife every wife should be proud of their husband regardless of their job title or was that your way of doing trash talk ?? To the officers that do their job with intergrity we do appercaite you the ones we come in contact with know that or are you referring to that officers that sleep with vistors now Im confused ..... obviously someone thinks they did their job today by doing their lil part for the community Kudos to you then for your part your appercaited too I had a good laugh Thank you .... "

" Maybe the "inmates" throw feces and such because they are disrespected and treated like dogs by officers, respect goes both ways. Yes, I know that some of these people that are incarcerated have done brutal crimes but you know what? We, as society lock these people up and we throw away the keys, where is the so called "REHABILITATION"? Prison does offer programs and such but some of these people have to wait for a very long time. I have worked in a prison before and have seen the "ugliness" from both sides, so the Correctional Officer or Guards are not little angels as some of you perceive them to be, the same goes for the inmates. Nobody is perfect in this world, need we be reminded of that. I'm sure the staff did a good job when the riot started but what was the reason behind it? Don't judge people until you have walked a mile in their shoes. Have anyone of you ever had a loved one in prison? Remember I have worked with "inmates" in prison before and have worked amongst the Correctional Officers as well. I just hope EVERYONE is ok, no matter who they are. "

" I am confused. You wrote "Go ahead and drop off inmates at my house I would get more respect and intergrity from them then we are receiving from YOU" to Billy the Kid. What part of his blog was disrespectful and lacked integrity? You have to admit that if an inmate is at SRCI, there is a reason for it. I wouldn't want them at my house. But you are right about one thing in your blog. There are a lot of "free" people walking around and not getting caught for their wrong doing. It is just a matter of time for them though. Nothing lasts forever.

Also, you wrote "Do you have the God given right to Judge people who have never done wrong to you?" Yes we do, it is called Jury duty. Part of being American. And each of those inmates were found guilty by a jury of their peers or by those we have appointed to represent us. You don't like it, do something about it.

Again you wrote, "Maybe we should have overrun chemical overrun Food that isnt safe for human consumption sent to your house to eat those inmates are HUMAN BEINGS TOO they deserve respect unless they have disrespected you." Respect is earned not deserved. As far as the food is concerned, those guys eat 3 square meals a day--everyday. They don't have to worry about whether or not there will be food for the next day. Alot of people aren't so lucky.

And finally, you wrote "Didnt your mom teach you if you have nothing nice to say dont say it .!!! " Maybe you sould follow your own advice. You are doing more trash talk than Billy the Kid thought about doing.

I do not know Billy the Kid but I think he has the right idea.

I am an Officer's Proud Wife. So my husband goes to work everyday and tries to keep YOUR husband safe. It just isn't the community he is protecting but those inside the SRCI community as well. Bottom line--It is time to stop bashing the officers. "

" First off thanks to the kudos from former employee ... Right On to you !!..And to Billy the kid .. Go ahead and drop off inmates at my house I would get more respect and intergrity from them then we are receiving from YOU ... What most of you forget are that most of the people are walking the streets today just havent been caught doing what they are doing how do you know you dont associate with one of them ??? Yes you are right the inmates have done wrong But most have accepted that and are doing their time to so they can be with their families .. Are YOU GOD ??? Do you have the God given right to Judge people who have never done wrong to you ? Maybe we should have overrun chemical overrun Food that isnt safe for human consumption sent to your house to eat those inmates are HUMAN BEINGS TOO they deserve respect unless they have disrespected you .. Didnt your mom teach you if you have nothing nice to say dont say it .!!! "

" Don't forget that these inmates are the people that rape little kids ,kill people ,steal and if you gave them a chance they would do it again. So if you thinks SRCI staff are all bad maybe they should drop a couple inmates off at your house so you can watch them. "

" whomever you are who responded so childishly to my post appear to be one of those I was speaking of who works at SRCI. First off, I never said I was fired. Second, If I sound a little bitter, oh well, I think I would have good reason to be. I left a solid job of 10 years to take the job at SRCI and to experience the most horrible 3 months of my life. This being from a selected few employees..NOT THE INMATES. The day I walked out of there was like what I imagine being released from prison feels like. The only bad choice I made was taking the job in the first place! Finally...Kudos to an inmates wife!! RIGHT ON!! "

" I did not think prisons were supposed
to be nice places.Bottom line, do not
break the law and you will not have to
deal with being in jail. "

" Yes SOME and I stress SOME of the Co's at SRCI are doing their job with Intergrity but others think just because they have that name and a badge that they can treat the inmates as trash .. Im deeply worried about my nusband and his safety from what occured Sunday I think that the ODOC should atleast tell families something not just answer with a "We have no news to report yet " And to the guy/girl who said that shot should have been lethal I hope you NEVER have to have a dear one close to your heart in prison or a situation that puts them in harms way .. Since I have moved to Ontario EVERYONE But the people that have family in the prison act as tho the inmates there are animals and OMG they have no rights to even breathe the same nasty air as they do GET OFF your high horse and wipe the crap that comes outta your mouths ... There are more inmates in their that have more respect and intergrity in their lil pinky then what this whole town does put together ... To the families /friends who have someone in prison either here or at SRCI I keep you all in my prayers and hope your loved ones are safe along with my husband ... The few CO's I would like to thank personally are SGT. Tillmen you do a great and fair job.. CO Harro your fair and make visting a simple pleasure and to the kind women Terri(I hope I spell it right ) who answers the phones you have made dealing with the ODOC a lil easier and kinder to cope with and Mr.Cain you have stayed true to being the fair Officer and Security Manager that you are .... "

" I am greatful to those who serve in every aspect of law enforcement. I think it takes a special person to help other's. I am a former law enforcement officer. I have seen many hurtful things people do to one another. I think it is important to recognize the fact that these very people are the ones that are in our prisons. I don't believe everyone there is bad however, I do know that they have made very bad choices that have hurt others and their families. I think they deserve to spend their time in prison and to serve time for what they have done. In order to protect the rest of society "Correctional Officer's" are a necessity. I have visited SRCI many times. I had a family member there. Although I was not in the rest of the facility I found the visiting staff to be very respectable and very informative. They treated me and my family very well. I thank you. As for the inmate who was shot in the yard. Why does it matter how many yards the shot was taken from. Why isn't it recognized that one offender was actually hit. Why isn't it recognized that so many other's where in a fight with a minimal amount of injury. I am not minimizing the injured but what I am saying is their could have been a much worse outcome to something so serious. These Officer's need to go home to. This is not an excuse to be arrogant yet it is an appreciation for their response with training and dedication to protect other's and protect the rest of their law enforcement family. As for the comment of the newspaper. Some things are done in poor judgement. I think what this community along with many other's is in need of is the positives that they are surrounded by. If you were to put half as much energy into positive stories your job would be much easier and more appreciated. But in all everyone is entitled to freedom of press and freedom of speach even if it isn't the truth all of the time. It is up to that person to do the right thing. Undoubtedly, they are also human just like the officer's and inmates at SRCI. "

" you sound very bitter.. did you get fired for one of your bad choices in life?
GREAT JOB SRCI STAFF!!! "

" ...We would like to Thank all Corrections Officer's for the job they do.Perhaps an incident like this will help to create a safer environment for the inmates just looking to complete their sentence.Threats and violence should not be tolerated-good job to all of you correction officers at S.R.C.I. "

" Reporting based on a press release yes! I just don't get why the API contributed to the story. One that happened right here in Ontario Oregon HOME of the Argus Observer. I juss don't get it!


Kudos to the staff ! "

" The blogger who commented on April 8th, calling the Argus 'an uneducated gossip rag' seemed very inaccurate to me. It is clear that the Argus reported the facts as they were released to the media. I could find nothing in the article that showed disrespect to the CORRECTIONS OFFICERS or to the inmates. I just hope incidents such as this one continue to be rare occurances at SRCI. "

" Give me a break!! What does it matter if they call you a correctional officer or guard, stop being so petty! there are those at srci who do their jobs professionally and there are those who do not!! Before you go in they say you are to treat the inmates as any other human beings, then when you go in, they expect you to treat them like crap. Lets not pretend this prison is some sort of role model to look up to. Lets not forget the story of inmates having sex with employees.
Not to mention what I observed, married officers having affairs with married employees, and childish behavior only experienced in grade school. "

" The ODOC/SRCI has contributed GREATLY to the economy of Ontario and the surrounding areas. Before the institution was here this area had very few decent paying jobs with good benefits. I would think the Ontario paper would show some respect for this institution and the opportunities it has created by reporting stories such as this with the respect and reverence it deserves. The men and women who choose to literally put their lives on the line to keep the public & inmates safe should be thanked and celebrated. Corrections are one of the most overlooked and underappreciated sections of law enforcement.

It’s apparent; the Argus Observer is a low level uneducated gossip rag of a newspaper! I most certainly will not pay good money for such a poor excuse of so-called journalism. "

" Great job to the staff at SRCI! too bad the shot wasn't lethal. But from what I heard, he will NEVER forget it!
Good job guys. "

" We have not seen any names released nor have we heard from any inmates so they must still be in lockdown. We wish the inmates not involved would be allowed to call their families. Everyone suffers when these events happen.When we have visited in the past, the guards were always pleasant to the families. "

" I am worried everytime my husband goes to work at night. He works for the DOC but in a different facility in the state. He has all the training needed to keep everyone safe that includes inmates. Thank goodness there were not more injuries and none to Corrections staff. Thanks for the great work they do! "

" Maybe I should go to work as a writer for this Newspaper but I don't think they want people that will write the truth about that prison. This was much more than a, "fray", "brawl" or a "fight". This was a serious disturbance that could have left many people seriously injured or killed.
I would also think by now that this local paper would also have learned that the Correctional Security Staff are not called "Guards" but "Correctional Officers" or just "Officers" if you want to save ink.
The distance from the tower where the shot was taken to the yard fence is approximately 30 meters. Ms. Campbell's information supplied that you printed made it sound like the Officers have taken many pot shots at Inmates and have missed every time except this time. That is not the case. Those have all been warning shots until now. The Officer who shot that Inmate did a great job and totally justified in stopping a very serious and life threatening situation for everyone on that yard. To him I say, "Thank you for watching out for the Staff. You did great!" "

" I would like to see the Argus give the respect to the staff at SRCI, that is due. They are not guards, they are CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS. These men and women are professionals who protect not only the SRCI staff but inmates as well. They are expected to be promote a positive, pro-social role models to the inmate population, and they do a fine job of doing so. This task can be difficult, especially when you have inmates who want throw their feces and urine at officers, threaten their safety, or assault staff.
I am proud to work with and among these people every day.
THANK YOU STAFF AT SRCI!! "

" Thank you so much for the service you do for the cummunity. I appreciate the bravery of the officers that work at SRCI.
The trouble in the yard could have been so much worse. Thank you for doing the job. "

" Any inmate names released? "