2100 Lakeside: Security

One day last week, I was able to spend some of my day with the shelter security. But the difference between what most think of security and the security here, is that they are all guys who were at one point in the shelter. A lot of the men here have had bad experience with police and a variety of authorities, and you don't want the people staying here to be uncomfortable or tense with others here. A metal detector as you walk is the first duty on their list, then afterwards there is a pat-down and usually then guys can enter the shelter. There really aren't any crazy occurances where security needs to step in, but they are there for the purpose of ensuring everyone's safety and letting those who may be nervous about safety, that measures are being taken to keep the shelter a protected area. But the nice thing is that the guys that make up this staff are fun-loving people. They are always joking around and having fun, but they are also aware that dangerous things do happen and they are serious when they need to be. I had a guard with me my whole first day because I was new and they wanted to make sure I felt comfortable and that the guys got used to me being there. But what people need to realize is that this isn't a great area, that things do happen, weapons and drugs are confiscated occasionally, but that more or less, nothing happens, and they are really making sure there are precautions in case of emergency.