In I Will Not Be a Pawn, a prison corrections officer provides a unique perspective on the complex relationships and hierarchies of the prison system and how life behind bars has both changed and stayed the same.

Joseph S. Spicer Sr. details his life both within the Department of Corrections and outside. His memoirs provide a powerful look at corruption and courage.

Spicer notes that corrections officers aren't supposed to stand out. They are supposed to be homogenous units designed to aid the more important pieces without drawing any attention to themselves. In short,...