Bernard B. Kerik is an American author and former law enforcement officer best known for his tenure as New York City Police Commissioner during the September 11 attacks. His career in public service spanned roles such as Commissioner of the New York City Department of Correction and interim Minister of the Interior for Iraq's Coalition Provisional Authority. Kerik's experiences in law enforcement and his involvement in high-profile events have shaped his written works, which often draw from his firsthand knowledge of criminal justice and national security.
Before his literary career, Kerik served in the NYPD for over a decade, rising through the ranks to lead the department during one of its most challenging periods. His writing reflects his expertise in policing, counterterrorism, and leadership, though his professional legacy was later marred by legal controversies. Kerik's federal convictions for tax fraud and false statements, along with his subsequent pardon in 2020, have also influenced public perception of his work. Despite these challenges, his insights into law enforcement and crisis management remain a focal point of his published contributions.