- Name: Bernard Kerik
- Current Age: 66
- Occupation(s): Former Police Commissioner, Security Consultant
- Date of Birth: September 4, 1955
- Place of Birth: Newark, New Jersey, USA
- Nationality: American
- Spouse: Hala Matli
- Children: 2
- Net Worth: Estimated at $500,000 in 2024
- Source of Wealth: Law enforcement, consulting
- Ethnicity: Caucasian
- Height: 6’3" (190 cm)
- Weight: 205 lbs (93 kg)
Early Life and Education
Bernard Bailey Kerik was born on September 4, 1955, in Newark, New Jersey, to Patricia Joann and Donald Raymond Kerik Sr. His mother was of Irish American descent, while his paternal grandfather was an ethnic Slovakian who immigrated to the United States from Western Ukraine. Kerik was raised Catholic in Paterson, New Jersey, and attended Eastside High School, where he dropped out in 1972.
After leaving high school, Kerik enlisted in the United States Army in July 1974. He received a General Educational Development (GED) certificate while stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Following his military service, Kerik pursued higher education and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in social theory, social structure, and change from Empire State College of the State University of New York in 2002.
Law Enforcement Career
Kerik’s law enforcement career began in 1986 when he joined the New York City Police Department (NYPD). He rose through the ranks and served as the commissioner of the New York City Department of Correction from 1998 to 2000. In 2000, he was appointed as the 40th Police Commissioner of New York City by Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, overseeing the police response to the September 11 attacks.
During his tenure as police commissioner, Kerik was credited with reducing violence among jail inmates and implementing crime reduction strategies in the city. However, he faced criticism for alleged abuse of power and controversial decisions, including conducting extramarital affairs and using a Ground Zero apartment for personal purposes.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Kerik’s career was marred by several controversies and legal issues. After the 2003 invasion of Iraq, he was appointed as the interim Interior Minister of Iraq by President George W. Bush. However, Kerik withdrew his nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security in 2004 due to employing an undocumented immigrant as a nanny.
In 2009, Kerik pleaded guilty to eight federal felony charges, including tax fraud and false statements, resulting in a four-year prison sentence. He was granted a presidential pardon by President Donald Trump in 2020 for his federal convictions. Kerik later supported Trump’s claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election and was involved in efforts to overturn the election results.
Post-Law Enforcement Career
Following his release from prison, Kerik worked as a consultant in crisis management, risk mitigation, counterterrorism, and law enforcement strategies. He advised international leaders and conducted threat assessments for ruling families in the Middle East and the Caribbean. Kerik also authored two books, including a memoir and a reflection on his experiences in the criminal justice system.
Kerik’s personal life included three marriages and several children. He faced personal challenges, including abandoning his first child in South Korea and later reconnecting with her. Kerik’s association with individuals like Lawrence V. "Larry" Ray, who was convicted of running a sex cult, added to his controversial reputation.
Legacy and Recognition
Despite the controversies surrounding his career, Kerik received numerous honors and awards for his service in law enforcement, including NYPD medals for valor and meritorious service. He was appointed as a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II and received honorary doctorates from several institutions.
Kerik’s life and career exemplify a complex journey marked by achievements, controversies, legal challenges, and personal struggles. His story serves as a reminder of the complexities and contradictions inherent in public service and the criminal justice system.
Financial Insights:
Despite his early success in law enforcement, Kerik’s legal troubles took a significant toll on his finances. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated to be around $500,000, a fraction of what it once was. Kerik’s main sources of income now come from security consulting and speaking engagements, leveraging his experience and insights to advise on matters of public safety and law enforcement.
The factors contributing to Kerik’s diminished wealth can be attributed to the legal fees incurred during his legal battles, as well as the loss of lucrative opportunities in the public and private sectors due to his tarnished reputation. While he continues to work in the field of security consulting, Kerik’s financial standing serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of ethical lapses in a high-profile career.
