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2togo wrote on Apr 6, 2009 5:23 PM:

" concerned GF - you're right. I don't know why I let people like that get to me. I need to laugh it off like you. I'll work on that. :-) You must be feeling better. I'm glad. "

JIM P. wrote on Apr 6, 2009 1:46 PM:

" THIS IS A VERY DUMB ARTICLE. I DELAYED READING IT UNTIL TODAY. WHO CARES IF THEY WANT TO KILL EACH OTHER LET THEM JUST THROW OUT LIKE 40 KNIFES INTO A GROUP OF THEM AND THE ONE WITH THE MOST KNOFES AT THE END WINS. THEN TO DISARM HIM JUST USE THE SHOTGUN AND EXPLAIN IT AS A THREAT..LOL!! WHAT A BUNCH A IN"MATES"(TREE HOCKEY) PLAYING INMATES! "

concerned GF wrote on Apr 6, 2009 7:11 AM:

" 2togo...
i wouldn't even respond to dill_weed. whoever it is is just trying to get a reaction.
i think it's humorous because it is so far off the mark! lol
probably some disgruntled CO... "

2togo wrote on Apr 4, 2009 4:11 AM:

" dill_weed, all I can say is wow. How ignorant can you be? You honestly think that all of us with loved ones in prison do nothing but sit around all day stuffing our faces and waiting for our government checks? How sad to be so narrow minded. I always said that going through what we've been going through is something I would never wish on anyone. Not even my worst enemy. I may need to rethink that. Then maybe you'd get it. Oh, and I can pretty much guarantee that I am more educated and have a higher income than you. "

dill_weed wrote on Apr 2, 2009 10:04 PM:

" Overstuffed oinkers hanging around waiting for a criminal. Do you think he is going to buy you an unlimited supply of chips, icecream and chocolates? He's probably just into it to get your welfare check. "

In the Know wrote on Apr 2, 2009 1:24 PM:

" NOBODY DIED! "

only his wrote on Apr 1, 2009 10:29 PM:

" I went and visited today and it was a much needed stress reliever. Complex three is still on modified lockdown and about half of the guys are still on cell restriction. The five minute phone calls are about twenty minutes now but still only once a day. Rumors were going around that friday they will be off lockdown, but we all know not to count on it. All we can do at this point is provide our guys with our support. they are just as stressed as we are. "

concerned GF wrote on Apr 1, 2009 10:37 AM:

" Thanks 2togo! Not sure about the transfer...wishful thinking. If he can get better visits in IMU in Salem, then I'm all for it. But if it's all the same, it really doesn't matter.:(

I haven't heard anything about someone being killed! That's horrible!

But yea, I agree, there are some people that need to be in there for good! I wouldn't just listen to anyones story...but I believe there are one or two in there who may want to change. "

bigsis wrote on Apr 1, 2009 8:21 AM:

" I got a letter yesterday from my brother, he said that someone died as a result from the fights. Has anyone else been told that..? "

lilsis wrote on Apr 1, 2009 3:01 AM:

" has anyone heard how today (tues) went? My brother heard rumors that after 2 side got their canteen something was going to happen so they were getting prepared to be locked in. Said had even heard the guards talking about it "

2togo wrote on Mar 31, 2009 12:13 PM:

" Concerned GF - congrats on being down to your last year. I'm very happy for you! If he's releasing from somewhere else (mine will be OSP) maybe he won't have to do IMU. Maybe they'll settle for the 180 days then transfer him to await release (I believe IMU is Salem's call anyway...SRCI can only request it. Salem has to approve it). That would be very cool for you.

doesntmatter - thanks for your post. You are so right. My bf says the biggest concern most guys have when they get out is where they're going to go and how are they going to live. It's hard for them to find work and you can forget renting a decent apartment. They can't pass the background checks. So having someone there to help them get back on their feet makes a huge difference for them. I also wanted to mention that they're still on lockdown. I don't know if it's all of complex 3 or just the units involved, but they are moving really slow on going back to normal operations. I think that's a great thing and I hope they continue doing that. Just because I defend my guy, doesn't mean I'm crazy enough to think that all of the inmates are really "good guys" who are just "misunderstood". I don't believe that for one second. There are some very violent people in there who would love to hurt the staff or another inmate given the opportunity. So I really appreciate the caution they are using. "

Here We Go Again wrote on Mar 31, 2009 4:40 AM:

" It's that kick 'em while they're down mentality that keeps some people going in and out of the system. What people don't realize is that prisoners in equal prisoners out. That negative mentality only perpetuates the hostility they already have and they come out of those gates with even more anger.
Instead of judging, people should really try to seek to understand first. Sometimes there is only a fine line of what constitutes 'breaking the law' and getting yourself in 'that situation.'
You can keep 'locking them up and throwing away the key' but most do eventually come out. Ask yourself if you want to try to help them transition to be productive citizens or come out wiht more hate and hostility and walk your streets? "

Do not care wrote on Mar 30, 2009 12:21 PM:

" If they did not break the law, they would not be in this situation. "

concerned GF wrote on Mar 30, 2009 10:18 AM:

" 2togo,
Thanks for your kind words! We have one year...to the day! That's why this is disappointing to me. But your guy is right, turning the other cheek would probably get him hurt, he told me it's day to day in there and I believe it. If he has to finish his time in seg, that might actually be a good thing. Like I said, I'm doing time with him, but in the end, I think it's going to be worth it. "

concerned GF wrote on Mar 30, 2009 10:13 AM:

" Doesn't Matter,
Thank you for such a thoughtful post. The last thing I want of course is my BF injured or worse...and I feel the same for staff. I'm sure it's not an easy job, and I give those officers kudos.
That being said, whenever I call up there for something, I always keep in mind their frustration of dealing with a lot of the public who want information on their loved ones inside. I'm sure there are plenty of jerks that call and harrass the staff. I don't want to be labeled like that. I always try to be as cooperative as I can be. There was only one time I've ever called up there where I felt like I was being dumped on because of my guys situation and his possible involvement. As much as I felt frustrated by how I was being treated at the moment, I keep in mind it's not personal, it's the place and the circumstances. But all in all, it's tough for everyone involved, inmates, staff, and families.
My guy has been in and out of the system for much of his life. He's never had anyone to parole to, never had anyone FULLY stand behind him. But maybe I see something in him that others don't. "

doesntmatter wrote on Mar 28, 2009 9:09 PM:

" to dill_weed: Anyone can sit back and judge their decisions or choices. Calling someone dumb because of the choice they have made is wrong. Its their choice to make, and you never know...it could be to the benefit of the public. At least when the inmate they have decided to stand beside releases, he will have somewhere to parole to and possibly some money to help get him started on being a productive citizen. So many inmates parole and end up having no where to go other than back to the life they know, which was the life that got them put in prison in the first place. As I pointed out in another post, it is possible that they are being deceived but I think its also possible that they aren't.

This story and blog shouldn't turn into a flame war over belief's. There are bigger issues at hand and believe it or not, lives could be and are on the line for staff and inmates every day during times like this at the prison. I think the ladies that have decided to stand by the inmates they love have the same fear's as the people that work out there. They don't want their significant other in danger and I also believe they don't want staff in danger. Those are the issues that need to be addressed here, the safety of the inmates, staff and public. Not whether or not you think the choices of who someone loves is a good thing or bad thing. "

dill_weed wrote on Mar 28, 2009 8:42 PM:

" Yes, friends, you can thank the city fathers for bringing this semi-human garbage dump to Ontario. Now you are reaping what they sowed. "

2togo wrote on Mar 27, 2009 8:33 PM:

" canseebothsides - I have a lot of respect for the people working at SRCI. Just like any other place, there are some who are not good at their jobs and who create resentment and problems. But from everything I've heard from the inmates and families of inmates that I know, most of the people working in there are very professional, respectful, and respected. They have a tough job. And I appreciate everything they do. The last thing I or any other friend or family member wants is for them to rush their investigation. As far as I'm concerned they should keep it on lockdown for as long as they need to. I don't want anyone to get hurt - inmates or staff. I'd much rather they err on the side of caution.

concerned GF - I'm so sorry for your bad news. I don't know your situation so I can't give you any advice on what you should do. But like I told my guy a couple weeks ago - I love that I get to talk to him every day. I miss him like crazy when he gets celled in or goes to the hole. But the most important thing is that he comes home. We can get through anything as long as we have that. I hate violence and fighting. He hates fighting. But like he told me once - turning the other cheek in there will get you killed. Your guy did what he had to do to survive. But it sounds like you already know that. I don't know how much longer he has to go, but I hope everything works out ok for you. Just focus on the finish line. For me - that's just 2 more years. I can't wait. "

dill_weed wrote on Mar 27, 2009 4:42 PM:

" What saps!! Believing criminals, people who make a career of deception. How dumb can you be? "

concerned GF wrote on Mar 27, 2009 12:09 PM:

" i have no problem with the staff at all! As a matter of fact, they have been very helpful. As far as the cops involved, i'm grateful that they do their job...it's just as hazardous to them as inmate to inmate harm could be. if it weren't for the cops, i think there would have been a lot more injuries. so yes, to them, i am grateful. corrections is not an easy job...but, like i said, there is a point where if it's more heartache than enjoyment, maybe a career change may be needed.

the politics i am talking of are the inmate politics with each other.

2togo, i just got 4 letters from my guy...and it's not good on his end. everything we've been working for is pretty much gone at this point. i'm severly heartbroken right now. but, i chose this life with him, and i stand by him. he's been straightforward with me from the start, and he's being straighforward with me in his letters letting me know that he is sorry that stuff happened *but* it is his environment. i don't know how much more straightforward you can get from that. and while it is his environment, he realizes he can lose me. but, i also know that day to day survival in there sometimes means risking loss of things that matter the most. "

canseebothsides wrote on Mar 27, 2009 10:28 AM:

" It is interesting how people like to interject their opinions (some very stong) without really having the facts. Please don't think that the Argus or your MAN has given you all the information. The operation of a Correctional Facility should be taken very seriously...by those in the community, by those who are employed and by those who reside within the walls. I am concerned that this type of blogging will cause untrue perceptions of what really happens within the walls. Thereby causing hard feelings between those who have family members behind the walls and those who work within the walls. Know this, nothing is more valuable then the preservation of life! Those who hold the incredible responsibility of making those decisions must do them with careful consideration and not by political pressure. Please be supportive to your loved one meanwhile respecting the fact that there are those working as fast as reasonable to resolve this situation.....we can not afford to be divided in situations like this! "

2togo wrote on Mar 27, 2009 10:25 AM:

" concerned GF,

I love your last post. I completely agree with you and it sounds like our situations are very similar. I wanted to tell you how sorry I am that your boyfriend went to the hole over this. Mine is on one of the units involved. He said it happened so fast that by the time he realized what was going on the cops were all running in and there was nothing he could do. (He hates to fight but he'll always have his friends' backs no matter what). Have you received a letter from your boyfriend yet? I can tell you the rumors are not good - the max 180 days + up to 18 months IMU for those involved. But this is just rumor and we know how accurate those are so don't lose heart. 3 side is still on lockdown and the guys are limited to one 5 minute phone call per day so unfortunately I don't have any other news that I can pass on to you (that 5 minutes goes by really fast).

I know how hard all of this is. We just have to remember that this is temporary. Soon they'll be home and we'll be able to get on with our lives. "

concerned GF wrote on Mar 26, 2009 8:17 AM:

" Doesn't Matter,
Thanks for your input. I appreciate it, truly I do. But...one thing to consider is that not all of us on the outside are as naive as you may think. Granted, we may not know all the ins and outs of the politics that go on in there, but some of us are aware of it and know how it works just as well. Matter of fact, I know my guy will stay in the hole before ever being transfered to another complex. He would also stay in the hole before walking back on mainline because there is no way in h*ll he will be labeled a rat. So, yes, some of us are aware of what goes on in there.
But you need to ask yourself if you get to a point where it "doesn't matter" that maybe you are a bit jaded. I'm sure a large portion of inmates in there are manipulative. Just as some of these "girls" on the outside are too. But perhaps some of the inmates in there are looking for one special person who WON'T kick them while they are down. And those of us that won't, are also doing time with them as well. I'm a productive member of society, I'm a professional for a high profile agency...not all of us on the outside that are associated with some of these guys are criminals or trash. I agree with 2togo, if I was being manipulated, then he's pulling a doozey on his mother, family and friends as well. I also agree with 2togo, I've probably had more chance being manipulated by men on the outside than one inside that has a lot to gain...a lot to gain means double to lose. Sometimes it takes only one person to make an impact on someone inside to make a difference to never want to come back again. "

uribe_y2005 wrote on Mar 26, 2009 8:09 AM:

" we as wifes,mother;s sister;s daughters r always concerned my husband say's it's all crapp they just do this to prove a point but to who surrenios dont care and it will never end he just wants to do he's time and never go back he finally realized he isnt going down like he's got brother who just died in huntsville tx doing 99 years he didnt even get to 40 years and all he was was an addic he needed help not to be locked up for being hooked for life and if u dont know the inmate like i know mine since kinder dont get involved cause ur gonna do ur time with him whether he is honest or not its hard ive been doing time with my son and husband i will never do it again god help us stay strong girls envolved and dont talk about anything in this u should know by now urs truly ladylockup in distress "

2togo wrote on Mar 25, 2009 7:37 PM:

" doesntmatter - thanks for your concern. I'm sorry if I came across a little too strong. It was probably a combination of the stress from all this and the feeling that people are constantly judging me for sticking with someone who's now doing time. My guy was able to call for a couple minutes earlier this evening so I'm feeling much better. Working there and being around these guys all the time I'm sure you've seen it all. I don't doubt that what you're saying is absolutely true. But in my case I knew him before he went in. I know his parents, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, friends parents, etc. In fact, his family introduced us. I knew them first. Is it possible he's playing all of us? Of course. But any man (or woman) is capable of doing that whether he has a criminal record or not. (I know. I've been there.) But in the last 9 years he's never given me a reason not to trust him. So again, thank you for your concern and I really do appreciate everything that you and the rest of the staff do there to try to keep everyone safe. Oh, and when I said it was a bad system? I still think that's true. But that doesn't mean I have a clue as to what would make it good. That's something that's probably not even possible. So please don't take it as anything more than that. I'm sure everyone is doing the best they can with what they have to work with. "

doesntmatter wrote on Mar 25, 2009 3:33 PM:

" To 2togo: I'm not a friend or loved one of a staff member out there. I've worked out there probably longer than your boyfriend has been in prison. There are politics that many people outside of the DOC don't understand. I'm sure you feel your boyfriend doesn't and hasn't lied to you...I hope your right. But I can tell you that almost every inmate out there has several "girls" that they write or talk to cause they are looking for something, whether it be money or just someone to chat with. You say that's not your boyfriend and tell me not to tar everyone with the same brush...but do you really know? You only know what he tells you. One thing that almost every inmate has in common, they are very good at manipulating people and/or the system. Have you been manipulated? I don't know, you don't know...I really do hope that you haven't been, but only your boyfriend knows the answer to that. "

KPar wrote on Mar 25, 2009 2:39 PM:

" Hopefully the war will end. My thoughts to all of you. Ill ttys snp "

SRCI EMP. wrote on Mar 25, 2009 2:18 PM:

" TO SYMPATHETIC: You might want to call your ex and tell him that what you blogged. Giving "any" information out about a inmate is grounds for immediate dismissal. Especially information to other felons that were once incarcerated! Are you kidding me!! "

Sympathetic wrote on Mar 25, 2009 1:33 PM:

" If you really need information, call Master Control...881-5018.. ask to speak to someone who can help you.. or the Sgt. in charge of the unit your family member is in. Or befriend someone who works there.. my ex (who is a Sgt there) used to get calls at home and he gave out all kinds of information to families and former inmates.. but then he wants to be EVERYBODY'S friend. There are plenty of them just like him who work out there... "

concerned GF wrote on Mar 25, 2009 12:13 PM:

" 2togo...i called his counselor. they can tell you what the status is and not much else. mail is being processed so that is a good thing. i hope to find out more from him directly in the next day or so. that will ease my mind a bit. i hope everything works out for you as well. "

concerned GF wrote on Mar 25, 2009 12:10 PM:

" hello bigsis...it is public information. you should be able to call the counselor of your loved one and ask. they can't tell you much more than that, but you can at least find out if they are on mainline or in DSU. "

2togo wrote on Mar 25, 2009 11:49 AM:

" doesn'tmatter - it's obvious that you are a friend/loved one of someone on the staff, not an inmate. That's fine. I know you share the same safety concerns as those of us who are connected to an inmate. I prayer for the safety of everyone there. But I have to say that I find it insulting for you to assume that I have been lied to about the way SRCI really works just because my loved one is an inmate. He's not a liar. I understand a lot more than you seem to think I do. Intent is not always the same as reality so your reasoning may sound great but that doesn't mean it's how it really works on the inside. So please read mom's post where she asked people to "not tar everyone with the same brush" before you start accusing people of being liars. "

sigh... wrote on Mar 25, 2009 11:36 AM:

" doesntmatter, no one is criticizing anyone or anything. If you don't have anything positive to say, please don't say anything. This is a hard time for some of us, so please show some consideration. Thanks! "

bigsis wrote on Mar 25, 2009 11:15 AM:

" How do you find out if they've been sent to the hole? "

doesntmatter wrote on Mar 25, 2009 8:02 AM:

" Another instance of your friend, boyfriend, father, son, grandfather, uncle or whatever not being completely honest with you. In most cases there aren't innocent people in altercations. On rare occasions it happens and when it does the defender doesn't go to the hole. They usually get moved to a different complex. Some instances they will keep them in the hole for a few days to protect them. How would it look if your boyfriend got into an altercation but was only "defending himself" but in the eye's of the other inmates he was in fact in an altercation. And then the same day he's out walking main line again and the guy he was in the altercation with was still in the hole? Your boyfriend would get labeled as a rat and then his safety would be in danger. So please don't criticize what you don't understand, the people out there aren't out there for following law's and rules and believe it or not, they aren't a very honest bunch. "

2togo wrote on Mar 24, 2009 7:30 PM:

" Concerned GF - how did you find out about yours being taken to the hole? I still don't know if mine was pulled into the mess or not. I do know of other instances where inmates were put in the hole pending investigation then cleared and let out a few days later. Hopefully that will be the case for you. As far as how much involvement, they will put you in the hole for just defending yourself (even if the other guy admits to starting it). It's a bad system because they punish you whether you're the aggressor or not. "

concerned GF wrote on Mar 24, 2009 2:00 PM:

" Found out that mine is one of the ones taken to the hole. I'm hoping that some were just taken there until done with their investigation? :( It's hard to know how much involvement in this there had to be to be taken to the hole..? "

Mom wrote on Mar 24, 2009 1:33 PM:

" As the mother of an inmate I care, a lot. People make bad choices and end up paying for them. This does not mean they have any wish to be in trouble inside. Most just want to do their time and go home and try to get on with their lives and not make bad choices again. Yes, I agree that there are some inmates who don't care. Don't tar everyone with the same brush. "

Waitin wrote on Mar 24, 2009 10:56 AM:

" There is a number you can call to find out the current status of the institution (541-881-4636) for those who have someone at SRCI.

I hope that they are ok and from the trials that may come from this incident my heart reaches out to you. It is hard to be strong but lean on to God for your strength in hard times.

FROM A SIS IN JESUS WHO LOVES AND UNDERSTANDS. "

Its Me wrote on Mar 24, 2009 10:34 AM:

" To Hello!!! Who Cares? The families of the inmates care. Can't wait until you get your run with the DOC!!! "

concerned GF wrote on Mar 24, 2009 8:23 AM:

" Does anyone know if they are still on lockdown as of today (tuesday)? "

Greetings wrote on Mar 23, 2009 7:01 PM:

" Who cares? I do. Not everyone in there is involved with the gangs that are causing the problems. Some of the guys just want to do their time, get out, get a job, and start contributing to society again. They don't all deserve to have some gang-banger "beat the crap" out of them (although some of them probably do). Some of them are fathers, sons, brothers, husbands, boyfriends, and friends who have people who love them and are waiting for them to come home. "

doesntmatter wrote on Mar 23, 2009 5:38 PM:

" Not surprising the management would be in a hurry to take the inmates off of lock down status. Don't worry or concern yourselves about staff safety when there are large scale disturbances taking place inside the institution. Maybe next time they (the inmates) will turn on staff instead of keeping it an inmate on inmate fight. There are obviously some issues that need to be addressed SRCI. I don't think a 4 or 5 day lockdown is going to deter the inmates from continuing this behavior. "

HELLO wrote on Mar 23, 2009 1:18 PM:

" Tell staff to stay the heck out of the way and let them beat the crap out of each other. Who cares! "

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