At around four in the morning guards got everyone ready to go to Lexington. In all, there were 14 of us. They drove us, in the middle of the night, until we reached receiving around eight. The sun had just come up. We entered through a military style checkpoint, complete with fully enclosed chain link, barbed wire, and razor wire fences. From there, we went to the concrete block receiving building. The busses pulled in, and we were let out. We went into an area that looked like a garage, and had the handcuffs removed while they gave us instructions. Once done, we went inside, and were made to sit on the benches while waiting to be processed.
It is organized chaos. First, everyone gets a haircut; very short and no facial hair. Next, you have to change out of our County clothes into the Department of Corrections uniforms; which are dull grey and very ill-fitted. This includes underwear and socks. This is done in front of around 10 other guys. If you have underwear that meets DOC uniform specs, then you may keep that. They keep the shoes, but you’ll get those later.
Next, you go back to the bench. Most of the day is spent waiting on the bench. After uniforms, you go to Medical, where they put you through a barrage of tests. They stick you, and suck out a lot of blood, then inject you with a tuberculosis test. Then they give an eye exam, and ask about a million questions about your health. Once you finish medical, they take your fingerprints and mug shots. When you have all of that done, you’ll get your initial consult. During that, they ask what you did, and how you feel about it, and a dozen other questions. They’ll give you some information, but you can’t rely on it.
Finally, after spending most of the day on the bench, they will take you back to get property, which includes shower shoes, quasi regular shoes, and a tablet. Everything is efficient, and seemingly chaotic. While the people are doing their jobs, other inmate trustees are doing a variety of other things, from delivering Bologna sandwiches to sweeping up hair. There is also a group that goes around offering Bibles and praying for people.
After some more time on the bench, you’re led back to a quad, or a group of cells. This is your new home for a few weeks. The cells are arranged around a central concrete courtyard. This is a quad. There are four alike, with a guard booth and offices in the middle. The cells are nasty, small, and hot. They consist of a prison sink\toilet, bunk beds, and a desk. There is a window with no view. All its good for is trapping heat. Bedbugs, cockroaches, and other things live in there too. You’re given a flat mat to sleep on, a towel, your clothes, a small care kit, a cup, TP and a blanket. You’re on lockdown all day and night, except for one hour a day, on weekdays, when you can shower.
During the week, you’re called out for different things. First, you’ll be called for a psychological assessment. They ask you a lot of questions about your mental health, from “Are you depressed?” to “Do you believe that you have super powers?”. They pull you out a few days later for dental and medical checkups. That’s where you can get your prescriptions.
Other than that, you’re sitting and waiting to find out where you’re going, and for that place to have room. In all, it is nasty with occasional bouts of chaos. You’re housed with people of similar charges, so mostly it’s dealing with the boredom, and nasty surroundings.
