Why One of the Country’s Toughest Cops Says We’re Overcriminalizing America
Genevieve Wood /
Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik was known as one of America’s toughest crime fighters. Then, as he details in his new book, “From Jailer to Jailed,” Kerik found himself convicted of tax fraud and sentenced to four years behind bars.
This experience has turned Kerik into an advocate for criminal justice reform.
In my interview with him, Kerik explains how we’re putting millions of people in prison for regulatory, administrative and civil issues—cases for which he believes there should be other remedies beyond turning those involved in to convicted felons.
He says the overcriminalization of America is creating a permanent, second-class citizenry and is one of the top five domestic issues the next president should address.