About Bernard Kerik

Bernard Bailey Kerik (September 4, 1955 – May 29, 2025) was an American law enforcement official and consultant best known for his role as the 40th Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) from 2000 to 2001. Born in Newark, New Jersey, Kerik dropped out of high school and served in the U.S. Army as a military policeman from 1974 to 1977. He later entered law enforcement, joining the NYPD in 1986 after serving as the youngest warden in Passaic County, New Jersey.[1][2][5] Kerik rose through the ranks, serving as the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Correction from 1998 to 2000, where he was known for reducing inmate violence and improving conditions. Appointed NYPD Commissioner by Mayor Rudy Giuliani in 2000, Kerik earned national and international recognition for his leadership during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, coordinating rescue efforts and public safety operations in one of America’s darkest moments.[1][2][3][4] After 9/11, Kerik was appointed by President George W. Bush in 2003 as the interior minister of the Iraqi Coalition Provisional Authority, tasked with rebuilding Iraq’s security forces. In 2004, Bush nominated him to lead the Department of Homeland Security, but Kerik withdrew amid controversy over employing an undocumented worker, which led to federal investigations.[2][5] Kerik’s career was later overshadowed by legal troubles; in 2009, he pleaded guilty to federal felony charges including tax fraud and making false statements and was sentenced to four years in prison, serving three. In 2020, he received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump. Post-prison, Kerik became an advocate for justice and prison reform.[2][6] Kerik received over 30 NYPD medals and honors including an honorary Commander of the British Empire (CBE). He authored two books and was married three times. Bernard Kerik died on May 29, 2025, at age 69 from cardiac illness.[2][3][5]

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