Prison Vagabonds

Mike Pannek’s unique book “Prison Vagabonds: The Role of American Prison Personnel in the Global War on Terrorism” examines a previously unexplored niche in 21st-century history. The book is part memoir, part history, and partly a description of programs to counter violent extremism in dangerous third-world prisons. The book is written like a modern novel, with engaging sections that draw readers in. The corrections profession is arguably one of the most difficult, most dangerous, and least appreciated in the world. Prison Vagabonds explores the reasons that prison professionals traveled halfway around the globe and risked their lives in places of great peril. The fascinating chapters explore the nature of working in inhospitable locations, amid a violent war, while attempting to bring systemic change to stubborn foreign cultures that have resisted modernization for decades. Prison Vagabonds shares true, personal accounts and anecdotes from and about the men and women who generously shared their knowledge and skills — and, in a few cases, gave their lives — to promote good governance and the rule of law in developing nations worldwide. Read more