Description
The Invisible Walls of Dannemora – Inside the Infamous Clinton Correctional Facility
Michael H. Blaine
“The Invisible Walls of Dannemora is a ‘must-read’ especially for anyone interested in learning more about the modern history of this prison or a career in the penal system. Highly recommended.” – Able Greenspan, Midwest Book Review
The infamous Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, New York, in 2015 became the site of one of the most famous prison breaks in modern American history. But the conditions that made possible the notorious escape and the massive manhunt that ensued had festered for many years.
Having earned the nickname of “Little Siberia”, the brutal winters contributed to the already depressing façade of the facility. During the long, dark hours, the wind howled outside and sounded like ghosts haunting the halls of the prison.
Dannemora had a proud past. Every employee chose to work there and there was always a transfer list of staff waiting to work there. It was a hard prison for hard criminals. Having housed the likes of mobster Charlie “Lucky” Luciano, “Son of Sam” David Berkowitz, Rappers Tupac Shakur and Ol’ Dirty Bastard, and countless other infamous criminals, the staff at the Clinton Correctional Facility knew how to handle even the toughest of men.
Like most prisons, Clinton was a place of routine. Each day was very much like the day before. It was a big, clunking machine that simply ran each day unless someone in the administration used poor judgment and tried to implement an unsafe change in policy or targeted the wrong staff member.
The author, Michael H. Blaine spent a career at the Clinton Correctional Facility. Having been an Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant, his story reveals the changes he observed and what he experienced at each rank he earned. Refusing to compromise his principles and sickened by the downward spiral that Clinton was experiencing, he retired less than 10 1/2 months before the first successful escape at Dannemora happened on June 6, 2015.
This new book reveals the inner workings of this massive prison. It is the first look inside at what it was like to work at the Clinton Correctional Facility, and its effects on those who spent time there on both sides of the bars, revealing why nobody escapes The Invisible Walls of Dannemora.
Imprint: Gaudium Publishing
184 pp., 6 x 9 in. (229 x152 mm), Illustrated
Hardcover
Date of Publication: July 27, 2020
ISBN 978-1-59211-043-8
US$29.99; UK£29.99
Softbound
Date of Publication: May 4, 2020
ISBN 978-1-59211-046-9
US$19.99; UK£19.99
Dr. Charmaine G. Abergas –
Exceptionally captivating…”The Invisible Walls of Dannemora” is packed with real life situations, most of us may consider unthinkable. Readers will appreciate the honesty of the story and what’s going on behind those big walls and heavy steel bars.
Only the courageous, honest and someone with unquestionable integrity can get the facts straight. This is something everyone should look forward to.
–Dr. Charmaine G. Abergas
Laurie Marvin –
This book captivated me from beginning to end; I simply couldn’t put it down. It provides great insight into both the life of a Corrections Officer and that of an inmate. In reading the stories, I felt as if I was right there watching the events unfold before me. As a native to the North Country, I have always been curious about what it would be like to work at Clinton. The author’s insight and experiences answered all my questions. I highly recommend this book.
– Laurie Marvin
Steven Frederick –
Fantastic read! So many of my friends became corrections officers after high school that I often wondered what it was like. Michael Blaine is a gifted writer who puts the reader in the training academy along side him.
Life behind the walls of the famous Clinton Correctional Facility is tough on everyone – inmates and officers.
After reading this book I have even more respect for the CO’s who do this job so the rest of us can be safe. Thank you for all you do!
Suzanne Thompson (verified owner) –
Finally some one had the “gonads” to tell the truth how people can be so railroaded by our system..
I couldn’t put this down I read from cover to cover. I was captivated in the descriptions . Excellent read and finally truth.
Kelly Keefe –
It is so easy to forget you are reading a book as you are drawn into the life of the author. You have such a vivid visualization of places, people and experiences he went through and the detail to which everything is described makes you feel as if you are there standing next to him! I was truly sad to turn the last page and have it end.
Not only was this a great story about what went on at the correctional facility, it is the story of the young 19 year old man growing up and learning how to navigate the system through the years , successfully moving up in rank until retirement all while staying true to himself and his beliefs and standing firm on what he thought was right.
Bruce M Dustin –
THE PRIME DIRECTIVES FOR ANY PERSON ENTERING HE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS (NYSDOCS) ARE KNOWN AS THE THREE C’S OF CORRECTIONS: CARE, CUSTODY AND CONTROL. MICHAEL BLAINE MASTERED THESE THREE C’S AS AN OFFICER, SERGEANT, AND LIEUTENANT; AT EACH SUCCESSIVE RANK, I’VE HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING ALONGSIDE MIKE AS AN OFFICER, SERGEANT, AND UNDER HIS COMMAND AS A WATCH COMMANDER.
I HAVE WITNESSED FIRSTHAND NUMEROUS ACCOUNTS OF THE UNWARRANTED HARARRASMENT AND DOWNRIGHT HOSTILITY AGAINST MIKE BY HIS CO-WORKERS, CIVILIAN STAFF, AND SUPERIORS FOR WELL OVER TWO-THIRDS OF HIS CAREER IN NYSDOCS.
“THE INVISIBLE WALLS OF DANNEMORA” TELLS VIVIDLY THE STORY OF A NAIVE PROMISING OFFICER STRAIGHT OUT OF THE ACADEMY AND THROUGHOUT HIS CORRECTIONS CAREER SPANNING OVER TWENTY-SEVEN YEARS; ADROITLY CULMINATING AS BOTH A LIEUTENANT AND WATCH COMMANDER. THIS BOOK WILL DISPLAY THE MANY DEMANDING FACETS OF BEING PART OF THE SECURITY STAFF IN NYSDOCS THROUGH THE EYES OF MICHAEL BLAINE. HE ACCOMPLISHES THIS WITH HUMOR, HUMILITY, AND COMPASSION AS HE RECOUNTS HIS YEARS BEHIND THE WALLS OF DANNEMORA. ENJOY THIS OUTSTANDING RIDE, AS I KNOW YOU WILL.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED
BRUCE M. DUSTIN ,
SERGEANT , RETIRED
Johnawinant –
This book flowed was easy to read..and hard to put down.Mikes experience was consistent with lots of other people in different facilities.The Clinton people have always been highly respected by the staff at many other facilities.After 26 years myself the facts..not stories Mike exposed happen every day in many of these facilities.This book should replace..inter personal communications week in the Academy’s and be discussed by all recruits Inmate interactions..Civilian interactions.. Administration interactions.
Patrick Conley –
After working for New York State Department of Corrections for almost 30 yrs, now being retired for 20 yrs, this book was a great read. I met Mike when he first came to Clinton Correctional Facility, he was a very bright and confidant young officer, always ready to take on any task that he was assigned. This book shows how he would not allow anyone to take advantage of him, without speaking up. The book was a page turner, names changed to protect the innocent or not so innocent. Was a fun read. If you worked in corrections or know someone who has, read “The Invisible Walls of Dannemora”.