Bernard Kerik Appointed NYPD Commissioner in 2000: A New Era Begins

Appointment of Bernard Kerik as NYPD Commissioner

• 🏅 Bernard Kerik was officially appointed as the new Commissioner of the New York City Police Department in 2000, receiving the golden badge from Mayor Giuliani.
• 💡 Mayor Giuliani cited Kerik's experience as a former police detective and a proven administrator, stating he was "overqualified" for the role.
• 🎯 Kerik, previously the city's Corrections Commissioner, had overseen a significant drop in jail violence (94%) during his three-year tenure.

Kerik's Background and Experience

• 👮‍♂️ A former detective with an 8-year stint in the NYPD, Kerik was sworn in as an officer in 1986 and spent much of his career in narcotics, earning 30 police citations including the Medal of Valor.
• 🏢 He was first appointed as First Deputy Commissioner of the Corrections Department in 1995 before becoming Commissioner in 1998.
• 🎓 While initially thought that not being a college graduate might hinder his candidacy, Mayor Giuliani emphasized his practical experience and leadership qualities.

Challenges and Community Relations

• 🤝 Kerik pledged to address the strained relationship between the NYPD and minority communities, emphasizing the need to understand and respond to community needs and concerns.
• ⚠️ He stated that police priests and commanders would be held accountable for their actions.

Reactions to the Appointment

• 👍 Some, like union leaders, expressed respect for Kerik and hoped he would implement changes to bring communities together.
• 👎 Civil rights leaders, including Reverend Al Sharpton, criticized the selection process, arguing that the Mayor did not reach out beyond the law enforcement community and that Kerik had not addressed issues within the corrections department.
• 🤔 Police groups and the police union had mixed reviews, with some questioning the educational requirements and the decision to select someone from outside the NYPD's upper ranks.

Transition and Other Appointments

• 🔄 Despite being passed over for the top spot, Chief Joseph Dunn was promoted to First Deputy Commissioner and agreed to stay on.
• ⚖️ Mayor Giuliani described the decision as both the easiest and most difficult he had made due to the strength of the candidates.