The Invisible Walls of Dannemora: Inside the Infamous Clinton Correctional Facility

by Michael H Blaine

Overview

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 hardened 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781592110438
Publisher:	Histria Books
Publication date:	07/26/2020
Pages:	184
Sales rank:	1,169,474
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

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.

Table of Contents

Preface 9

Meeting Gene 11

The Road To Harriman 13

Harriman 17

Clinton 23

The Real Training Begins 27

Fishkill and Green Haven 35

Back To Clinton - North Yard 43

The Church of Saint Dismas 49

APPU 51

CERT 53

Jailhouse Rumors 59

Talents and Personalities 63

Cons and Lawsuits 67

Assaults and Use of Force 71

Tailor Shops 75

OBS-1 79

Clinton in General 83

The Bad Apples 87

Power Brokers 91

Contraband 95

Tiers of Laughter 99

Clinton Has a Hypnotist 103

Changes in the Administration 109

Survival 111

Self-Preservation 115

Here We Go Again 121

Chevrons and Payback 123

Unexpected Reunions 127

Bars On the Collar 131

Last Stop - Clinton 133

What Are The Odds? 137

Merle Cooper Program 141

A Train Running Off Its Tracks 145

The Escape That Could Not Happen 151

Gene and Joyce Go to Jail 157

The Escape Report 161

Additional Escape Info 165

Lights, Camera, Action! 169

The Miniseries 173

Undisclosed To The Public 175

Clinton Today 179

Afterword 182

Editorial Reviews

"Blaine’s book should serve as a source of inspiration for those who feel defeated, afraid, and alone in their darkest hours." —Tsarizm

From the Publisher

"The Invisible Walls of Dannemora" Tells 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 displays the many demanding facets of being part of the security staff in NYSDOCS through the yes of Michael Blaine. He accomplishes this with humor, humility, and compassion as he recounts his years behind the walls of Dannemora.

Bruce M Dustin

"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

"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

"...a true-life, tell-it-like-it-is accounting of this high-security New York prison, known for holding the most dangerous mobsters and murderers. Here are true stories of lawsuits, violence, contraband, and of good prison programs unjustifiably shut down."

Midwest Book Review