New York City's most historic jail -- officially the Manhattan Detention Complex but better known by its nickname The Tombs -- was formally renamed in honor of Police Commissioner Bernard B. Kerik on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2001.

First as the Department of Correction's First Deputy Commissioner and then as its Commissioner, Kerik led that agency in achieving what is widely acknowledged as the most historic turnaround ever accomplished by any jail system in the country.

Below are texts from the Mayor's Office press release for the occasion and from the Department's printed program for the ceremonies.

Also appearing here are NYCHS snapshots of the event. With pride the reader can readily appreciate, we note that Commissioner Kerik was the founding board chairman of NYCHS and remains a board member.

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Above, while awaiting arrival of the mayor, the honoree and colleagues confer informally. From left, Criminal Justice Coordinator Steven M. Fishner, Commissioner Kerik, First Deputy Commissioner Gary M. Lanigan (back to camera here, third from front left below), Commissioner Fraser and Chief of Dept. Robert N. Davoren. Below, with word His Honor's arrival is imminent, members of the dais take their seats.

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani joined Correction Commissioner William J. Fraser today at a dedication ceremony during which the Manhattan Detention Complex, better known as "The Tombs," was renamed The Bernard B. Kerik Complex.

The ceremony was held to honor Bernard Kerik, the former Correction Department Commissioner and current Commissioner of the New York Police Department. Joining the Mayor at the ceremony was Commissioner Kerik and members of his family.

"This is a fitting tribute to a man who made significant contributions to the Department of Correction and to the City of New York during his years in public service," said Mayor Giuliani.

"While serving as Correction Commissioner, Bernie Kerik instituted a number of far-reaching and innovative measures that directly led to the dramatic reduction in crime in the Department's sprawling jail system.

	At left, Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani arrives at the MDC ceremony tent and is escorted by a CO. Below, His Honor greets dais members.

"He turned the jails on Riker's Island from being one of the most dangerous jail complexes in the country, into one of the safest today.

Commissioner Fraser formally dedicates MDC as BBKC.

"I am proud to have had Bernard Kerik serve in my Administration, and delighted that the renaming of this complex will serve as a lasting reminder of his many important achievements."

Correction Commissioner William J. Fraser said," Police Commissioner Kerik would be the first to insist that the credit for the unprecedented reduction in inmate violence goes to Mayor Giuliani and to the men and women who work in the jails.

"However, Commissioner Kerik is recognized as having been the driving force behind our achieving the greatest turnaround in jail safety this or any correctional agency has ever accomplished.

	At left, Mayor, other dais members and audience stand during presentation of the colors and the singing of the national anthem.
	At left, under the watchful eye of a member of his security team, His Honor mingles with guests after ceremony before leaving to another event.

"Dedicating the Bernard B. Kerik Complex is a fitting tribute because he showed us how to run the jails in a way that makes them safe for staff as well as inmates."

The complex, located at 125 White Street in lower Manhattan, consists of two buildings designated the North and South Towers, and is connected by an enclosed bridgeway.

The South Tower, formerly known as the Manhattan House of Detention or the Tombs was opened in 1983, after a complete remodeling. The North Tower was opened in 1990. The complex includes the court facilities.