Bernard Kerik

Bernard Kerik is a former New York City Police Department commissioner who served under Rudolph Giuliani from 2000 to 2001. Kerik's tenure was marked by significant events, including the September 11 attacks and the subsequent response efforts, which involved coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Fire Department. His career has been closely tied to that of Rudolph Giuliani, with whom he worked at Giuliani Partners. Kerik has also been associated with other notable figures, such as George W. Bush and Donald Trump.

● Early Life and Education

Kerik was born in Newark, New Jersey, and grew up in Paterson, New Jersey, where he attended Eastside High School. He later enrolled in Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government and the New York University's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. Kerik's early life and education laid the foundation for his future career in law enforcement, which would involve working with organizations such as the New York City Police Department and the United States Department of Homeland Security. His experiences were also influenced by events like the 1980s New York City crime wave and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, which were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department.

● Career

Kerik's career in law enforcement began with the New York City Police Department, where he worked under David Dinkins and Rudolph Giuliani. He rose through the ranks, becoming the New York City Correction Commissioner and later the New York City Police Commissioner. During his tenure, Kerik worked closely with Rudolph Giuliani and other notable figures, such as Michael Bloomberg and Ray Kelly. His career was marked by significant events, including the September 11 attacks and the subsequent response efforts, which involved coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross. Kerik has also been associated with private security firms, such as Giuliani Partners and The Bratton Group, which have worked with clients like the National Football League and the United States Department of Defense.

● Controversies and Imprisonment

Kerik's career has been marred by controversy, including allegations of corruption and ethics violations. He was nominated by George W. Bush to head the United States Department of Homeland Security, but his nomination was withdrawn due to concerns about his background and qualifications. Kerik was later convicted of tax fraud and felony charges, and served time in Federal Correctional Institution, Cumberland. His case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. Kerik's imprisonment was also influenced by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the USA PATRIOT Act, which were enacted in response to the Enron scandal and the September 11 attacks.

● Personal Life

Kerik has been married twice, first to Jacqueline Lantz and then to Hala Matli. He has two daughters, Lisa Kerik and Celine Kerik, and has been involved in various charitable organizations, including the New York City Police Foundation and the NYPD 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Kerik's personal life has been influenced by his career in law enforcement, as well as his experiences with post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse. He has spoken publicly about his struggles with these issues, and has worked with organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

● Later Career and Activism

After his release from prison, Kerik has continued to work as a consultant and advocate for law enforcement and criminal justice reform. He has written several books, including The Lost Son: A Life in Pursuit of Justice and From Jailer to Jailed: My Journey from Correction and Police Commissioner to Inmate #84888-054. Kerik has also been involved in various advocacy organizations, such as the National Association of Police Organizations and the American Civil Liberties Union. His work has been influenced by events like the Black Lives Matter movement and the Ferguson unrest, which have highlighted issues of police brutality and systemic racism. Kerik has spoken publicly about these issues, and has worked with organizations like the NAACP and the National Urban League to promote reform and improve community relations.