(Day 44) On being overwhelmed by a mass of humanity... and the goodness at its core...
This morning I arrived at Oregon State Penitentiary at just after 9AM. Arriving at the main gate I had to announce my arrival on the grounds before I parked. Entering the main reception area I showed my identification tag and signed in. Yes, I had to walk through a metal detector, even take off my shoes... but there was no ION ccan machine, no drug detector dog and, I was informed that staff did not have to walk through the metal detector. First thing of note that is different here... and they have 2,300 inmates in this facility! I shared with the guard on duty the process that happens at our principal entrance in the morning and about the drug dog and ION scan machine and how they are used with visitors. It was clear to me that she was on the one hand impressed with the tools we were using - but didn't think staff should be subject to them... interesting. Chaplain Phil Holbrook took a few minutes to come and fetch me and I was soon to f...