22 Facts About Howard Safir

Howard Safir was an American law enforcement professional who served as the 29th New York City Fire Commissioner from 1994 to 1996 and the 39th New York City Police Commissioner from 1996 to 2000, under Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Howard Safir attended Harvard University's John F Kennedy School of Government, receiving certificates in the programs for Senior Managers in Government in 1988 and for National and International Security in 1989.

Howard Safir began his law enforcement career in 1965 as a special agent assigned to the New York office of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, a forerunner of the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs and eventually, the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Howard Safir moved to the US Marshals Service in 1978 where he served as Chief of the Witness Security Division.

Howard Safir rejoined government service in 1994 when Mayor Rudy Giuliani asked him to serve as New York City's 29th Fire Commissioner.

When Police Commissioner William J Bratton left his position in 1996, Giuliani appointed Safir to replace him as New York City's 39th Police Commissioner.

Commissioner Howard Safir implemented a comprehensive Fugitive Strategy and established thirty-nine major anti-drug initiatives throughout the city including the Northern Manhattan Initiative.

Howard Safir created model blocks in each borough to prevent eradicated drug dealing from returning and he introduced closed-circuit television to ensure the safety of housing development residents, park visitors, and subway riders.

Concerned for officer and public safety, Howard Safir expanded firearms training and introduced Firearms Training Simulators.

Howard Safir developed and implemented Operation Condor, a creative use of personnel resources, that continues to be a centerpiece of current NYPD crime reduction strategy.

Howard Safir served four years as Police Commissioner until he announced his resignation and retirement from government service in 2000.

In 1997, Howard Safir appeared on the ABC TV series NYPD Blue, playing himself.

In February 2007, Howard Safir became CEO of Bode Technology when GlobalOptions Group, Inc acquired The Bode Technology Group from ChoicePoint in a cash purchase for $12.5 million.

Howard Safir was a member of the executive committee of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and served as a delegate to INTERPOL, the National Drug Policy Board, and the El Paso Intelligence Center Advisory Board.

Howard Safir was married to Carol Ferrara in 1965 and had two children.

In 2010, Howard Safir allegedly backed his SUV into a pregnant woman who was attempting to cross a street from between parked cars.

Howard Safir was tracked down through his license plate but no charges were filed.

Howard Safir claimed he was unaware he had struck anyone.

Howard Safir died from sepsis in Annapolis, Maryland on September 11,2023, at the age of 81.

Howard Safir was recognized often throughout his career for his outstanding service.

Howard Safir was a member of the Board of Trustees of The New York City Police Museum.

Howard Safir served on the Board of Directors of Verint Systems and Lexis Nexis Special Services Inc.