FOR THE RECORD

When someone who has broken the law wants merciful treatment, it is standard for them to be penitent and remorseful as a way of illustrating they know they did wrong and are prepared to make amends if given a chance.

Bernie Kerik never believed much in standard behavior, however. And having already turned down a plea bargain of a short prison sentence in a case where there's a strong likelihood that he'll be convicted, it doesn't seem like he's planning to appeal for a presidential pardon or lenient treatment from a sentencing judge by taking responsibility for his bad acts.

The Village Voice last week reported on a three-part interview Mr. Kerik gave to the Internet network VBS.TV in which he makes clear that he considers himself a victim.

Among his tribulations, he told the interviewer, is that "every cockroach will come out when you're down. They don't have the [male equipment] and they don't have the courage to attack you up front. When you're down, they come out."

We asked Sidney Schwartzbaum, who as president of the Assistant Deputy Wardens/Deputy Wardens Association was an outspoken critic of Mr. Kerik while he was still riding high as Correction Commissioner, what he made of those remarks.

He said one reason that many were loath to criticize Mr. Kerik when he was heading the Correction and Police Departments was that "he created an environment of fear and intimidation. He had a maniacal attitude that 'if you're not completely loyal to me, I will hunt you down and make your life miserable.'

"As screwed up as he was," Mr. Schwartzbaum continued, "Bernie did some very good things in the department. He could have been our greatest Correction Commissioner, but he was so convinced that might was right that he thought he could do anything. He's like a Greek tragedy. He had so much handed to him by Rudy Giuliani; he never passed a civil service test for advancement and wound up as Correction Commissioner and Police Commissioner."

The Wardens union leader said Mr. Kerik suffered from "delusions of grandeur" that blinded him to his vulnerability if his questionable behavior — most notably the dealings with mob-linked figures, tax evasion and misuse of his city positions that are at the root of his Federal indictment and figured into his state convictions last year — came to light. That was the only explanation, he said, that made sense in considering Mr. Kerik's willingness to be nominated by President Bush — at Mr. Giuliani's urging — to be U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security four years ago.

"Had he not put himself on Front Street in the public eye with Homeland Security," Mr. Schwartzbaum said, "I have no doubt he would still be a successful businessman today."

Mr. Kerik also seemed to have Mr. Giuliani in mind when he told the VBS interviewer that "when you go through the worst times of your life, you sort of have to come to the realization that you will be on your own. No matter all the good deeds you've done, all the blood you've shed, or all the loyalty you've had for others, it's not going to be repaid."

Mr. Schwartzbaum said Mr. Kerik's downfall was partly the result of his belief that his close relationship with Mr. Giuliani placed him above the law. "He mesmerized you, he charmed you, but all his power came from Rudy Giuliani, and when he got in trouble Rudy wasn't there anymore."

He said it was no surprise that Mr. Kerik was railing against the unfairness of what has befallen him. "Empty barrels always make the most noise," Mr. Schwartzbaum said.

***

The Bronx Educational Opportunity Center, a non-profit affiliated with the State University of New York, is offering free educational and vocational programs for persons interested in a variety of careers.

They include Emergency Medical Technician, Medical Assistant, Direct Care Service Worker, Executive Assistant and Security Guard. Administered by Bronx Community College, it also offers General Equivalency Diploma, college prep and adult basic education courses.

For further information, call (718) 530-7039 or (718) 530-7002.

***

The Correction Department Emerald Society will hold its Christmas party/old-timers' reunion Dec. 13 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Irish Circle Restaurant in Rockaway Beach. A charge of $50 will cover food, an open bar, and member dues for the coming year. For more information, contact Brian J. Sharkey at (516) 643-1900.