R.I.P. The last 20 or so years of his life were marred by some controversy.
"The "broken windows theory," developed by James Q. Wilson and George Kelling, posits that visible signs of disorder, like broken windows, create an environment where more serious crime is likely to occur. Bernard Kerik was a prominent figure in implementing this theory in New York City, particularly in the subway system, under the direction of then-Police Commissioner William Bratton. " (Google Search)
"... Kerik, whose high-profile career was peppered with success and controversy, shot to prominence when he was named the Big Apple’s top cop by former Mayor Rudy Giuliani in 2000 and presided over a 63% drop in violent crime.
The 40th police commissioner was also dubbed the “beat cop commissioner” for his hands-on leadership style, making five arrests during his 16-month tenure as commissioner, including one involving two ex-convicts in Harlem driving a stolen van. ...
Mayor Eric Adams, a former NYPD captain, mourned his friend of three decades. “It was just this afternoon that I stopped by the hospital to see Bernie Kerik, my friend of nearly 30 years, before his passing,” [Mayor Adams] said. “He was a great New Yorker and American. Rest in peace, my friend.” ...
His legal troubles worsened in 2009, when he pleaded guilty to eight federal felonies, including charges that he evaded taxes on a $255,000 gift for home repairs and made false statements to federal officials while being considered for the Homeland Security post.
Kerik served four years in federal prison before he was pardoned by Trump in 2020 during his first term in the White House. ..."
Exclusive | Former NYPD Commissioner Bernie Kerik dead at 69
