Gerard Beekman
New York,NY
Summary
A results-oriented, highly energetic and innovative professional with over 41 years of progressively responsible municipal police and international peacekeeping/peacebuilding experience with solid record of providing leadership and managing culturally diverse staff. A talent for building cohesive teams, strong problem-solving abilities, excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a unique ability to coordinate actives of different agencies and organization and a reputation among colleagues for a strong work ethic, integrity and uncompromising devotion to service.
Overview
43
43
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Police Strategic Evaluation Officer
United Nations
New York, NY
06.2015 - Current
- Managed the day-to-day functioning of the office, including all aspects of recruitment, budget preparation and performance reporting, developing projects and managing extra budgetary resources, and reporting to various substantive committees
- Responsibilities also included strengthening the peacekeeping partnership by assisting in identifying gaps which impact delivery of mandates by UN peacekeeping missions by undertaking comprehensive evaluations and inspections and making recommendations to the USGs of DPO and DOS on systemic issues relating to the performance UN peacekeeping operations; Working closely with police- and troop-contributing countries and senior leadership, both in the field and at Headquarters; Making recommendations to ensure the safety and security, welfare and the Organization's provision of support services to field uniformed personnel; making recommendations to incorporate lessons learned and best practices from peacekeeping missions into peacekeeping operations
- Successfully managed all aspects of the Office and engaged donors to fund a number of projects and post within the Office
- Positive feedback from the USGs DPO and DOS, the Military and Police Advisers, Force Commanders / Police Commissioners and TCCs/PCCs
- Provided the Director Peacekeeping Strategic Partnership sound political advice and conducted objective and independent reviews, analysis, advice, and made recommendations to improve the performance of uniformed components and peacekeeping operations more broadly.
Chief Selection and Recruitment
United Nations, DPKO
New York, NY
12.2013 - 06.2015
- Responsibilities included: Planning, organizing, managing and supervising selection and recruitment activities of police personnel for UN HQ, field missions (including the Standing Police Capacity) and formed police units (FPUs)
- Formulating strategies to expedite immediate filling of police personnel vacancies through liaising and collaborating with Member States, Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), Department of Field Support (DFS) and Police Contributing Countries to ascertain that field missions and FPUs are fully staffed and are able to fulfil mission roles and responsibilities, as required by their mission-specific mandates
- Identifying overall recruitment needs and priorities for field missions; developing and implementing strategies to meet the demand for recruitment and deployment of individual police officers and FPUs
- Overseeing, coordinating, and monitoring police selection and recruitment-related issues and activities, including Selection Assistance and Assessment Team (SAAT) and Formed Police Assistance Team (FPAT) visits to field missions, rotation plans and procedures, and pre-deployment visits to Member States
- Reviewing deployment plans, establishing force requirements for United Nations police components, including FPUs
- Providing guidance and direction in developing administrative and operational guidelines and directives for the individual officers and FPUs deployed to peacekeeping operations and special political missions
- Coordinate with Member States, Medical Services, DFS, as well as DPKO entities on all matters concerning recruitment, selection, rotation, and deployment of police personnel
- Coordinate briefings on all aspects of police recruitment and selection; ensures proper data management by Section of all UN police officers who have served in UN police components and manages proper information sharing mechanisms with Member States and Police Contributing Countries
- Provide recommendations on recruitment, selection, and deployment-related issues for the UN Police Adviser's further action
- Managed the recruitment, extensions and rotations of police officers (seconded and UN contracted) for 13 UN operations, involving 28,000 police officers and members of FPUs
- Strengthened relationship with PCCs and potential PCCs
- Managed all aspects related to FPUs, including the recruitment, rotation and operational planning
- Oversaw the recruitment of a newly established police component in CAR
- Developed and Implemented new procedures to ensure the integrity of the recruitment process
- Oversaw HQ and SPC recruitment for both seconded and non seconded positions.
Deputy Chief of Staff
UNMIK
Kosovo
11.2011 - 12.2013
- As Senior Coordination Officer and Deputy Chief of Staff, responsibilities include managing the day-to-day functioning of the Office of the Chief of Staff; coordinating among the various substantive units of UNMIK the preparation of the Mission's integrated daily and weekly reports to UNHQ; overseeing the distribution of all incoming and outgoing correspondence and, when necessary, editing said correspondence; coordinating the preparation of the Mission's budget and performance report; undertook recruitment through Inspira, and implementation of cost saving measure by working with potential partners on cost sharing arrangements
- Responsibilities also include advising the SRSG on a wide range of issues, including but not limited to personnel issues; mandate implementation, status of Mission's activities in the field
- Also acted as a problem solver for the SRSG and undertook special projects on his behalf
- Coordinate with international partners, namely KFOR, the UN Kosovo Team (UNKT) and European Union Rule of Law Mission, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and embassies on issues related minorities, especially those related to victimization of members of the minority community
- Also, was assigned as the Mission's focal point on IMPP, business continuity and crisis management, which required engagement of UNHQ and the UNKT on each of these issues
- Undertook the role of Chief of Staff in his absence
- Developed and implemented Standard Operating Procedures on the Handling and Classification of Confidential Documents and Integrated Reporting to UNHQ
- Initiated the establishment of a working group comprised of UNMIK, UNKT, OSCE, EULEX and the EU Office to enhance the response of the international community to incidents that affect the minority communities in Kosovo
- As part of the above working group, drafted a proposal to establish a coordination mechanism based on each organizations mandate and operational capacity to operationalize the activities of the working group
- As IMPP focal point, initiated with the UNKT the revision of the IMPP work plan to better reflect the realities on the ground and political dynamics in Kosovo
- Initiated cost sharing arrangements with KFOR and EULEX, which resulted in substantial savings to the Mission.
Senior Police Liaison Officer
United Nations
New York, NY
05.2008 - 11.2011
- As Senior Police Liaison Officer my responsibilities included the overseeing the work of the police components to ensure that their activities are in line with agreed upon political strategies, resource management, including issues related to conduct and discipline, budgets, and SG reports
- In addition, the role also includes the provision of advice to the leadership of the police components, the Police Adviser and political colleagues on issues related to mandate implementation, police reform and restructuring, interagency cooperation and donor coordination, and operational police planning
- The role also requires the active engagement of representatives from Permanent Mission on the policing needs of the Department to ensure that both the quality and quantity requirements are met
- Acts as an initial point of contact for internal and external partner on police issues related to peacekeeping operations in Haiti, Kosovo, Georgia
- Provided advice on and supported the implementation of the successful reconfiguration of the UNMIK police component
- Work closely with EU colleagues on their strategies and plans to ensure an effective transfer of operational responsibility to EULEX
- Advised the leadership of the UNMIK police component on downsizing and coordinated said downsizing with the UNMIK police contributors
- UNMIK police component was downsized by approx
- 1500 officers over a two-month period to ensure a smooth transition
- Provided an enhanced level of support and advice to the leadership of the police components and also advised the leadership of the Police Division and the political leadership of ELAD on strategic and operational issues related to the police components
- Oversaw and advised on the budgets, SG reports and mandate implementation for the different ELAD police components.
Chief Mission Management
United Nations
New York, NY
09.2006 - 05.2008
- Responsibilities included the direct oversight, mentoring, supervision and the provision of advice to staff of the section on all activities related to mandate implementation, including those issues related to human resource management, recruitment, budgets, preparation of code cables, SG reports and other analytical reports
- Provided guidance on and supervised the selection, recruitment, deployment and rotation of all police officers from their home countries to and from the mission areas and oversaw other required administrative functions pertaining to the operations of the components
- Provided direct advice to the Police Adviser on all substantive and administrative aspects related to the functioning of the section and operations of 14 police components of peace operations
- Guided and advised the senior leadership of peacekeeping operations in their police related activities, particularly with regards to mandate implementation, police operational planning, police aspects of mission budgets, processing of disciplinary cases, and on the administration of police personnel records and the implementation of best practices and lessons learned
- Represented and defended the police aspect of mission budget committees
- Actively engaged representatives of Permanent Mission on the policing needs of the Department and ensured that staff took a client orientation approach to dealing with internal and external partners
- Provided effective oversight of and advice to 14 police components of peacekeeping operations and oversaw the recruitment and rotation of 11,000 police officers from 98 countries
- Increased the number of police contributors from 93 to 98
- Enhanced support and mentoring of individual police desk officers to promote their pro-active engagement of police components and DPKO colleagues
- A client orientation approach to work within the section was adopted
- Standardized the administrative aspects of the work of the section and implemented an electric filing system for the section
- Built an effective team where all members actively contribute.
Chief
Protection Coordination Unit
New York, NY
05.2006 - 09.2006
- Provided assistance to the Department in the establishing the Division of Headquarters Safety and Security and the Protection Coordination Unit through the recruitment of staff, identifying needs and by defining processes and systems
- Coordinated and managed substantive and administrative operations of the Close Protection Unit on a day-to-day basis
- Developed and maintained all capacities and functions necessary to ensure a systematic and coordinated management of close protection throughout the United Nations system
- Oversaw and coordinated the deployment of close protection assets and implemented close protection security response to met UN operational needs
- Effectively coordinated close protection details with Member States, law enforcement agencies and the Departments' field security officers
- Developed the concept and implemented the establishment of a Member State on-call roster of close protection experts for short-term assignments
- Recruited the budgeted positions within DHSS and assisted in the development of the Department's strategic framework.
Chief of Staff/Special Assistant
United Nations
New York, NY
07.2001 - 05.2006
- Responsibilities were to provide direct support to the Police Adviser and Deputy Police Adviser in managing the day-to-day activities of the Division, current peacekeeping operations, planning future operations, and in resolving organizational issues within the Police Division
- Facilitated the executive function and supervised the administrative functions in the Office of the Police Adviser and the Police Division
- Served as the primary conduit for communications into and out of the Office of the Police Adviser and assisted the Police Adviser in establishing priorities
- Assisted in vetting of the incoming requirements and allocated tasks to the appropriate units and staff to ensure proper follow-up and served as problem-solver for matters identified as a priority for the Police Adviser
- Maintained close working relationships with staff of Permanent Missions and performed representational activities on behalf of the Police Adviser
- Participated in a change management working group and was also responsible for all aspects of recruitment for the Division, budget preparation, performance reporting and other special reports
- Provided quality advice to the Police Adviser and improved the quality of the Division's work product and also improved the client orientation of the Police Division
- Developed new strategies to improve recruitment and meet targets in terms of quality and quantity
- Effectively mentored staff and promoted a team approach to the work of the Division
- Assisted in the development of strategies on the use of police in peacekeeping
- Participated in defining a more pro-active role for UN police.
Mission Management Officer
United Nations
New York, NY
02.2001 - 07.2001
- Responsibilities included the recruitment, selection, and training of police officer deployed to peacekeeping operations
- Provided advice to the senior staff of peacekeeping operations on all aspects of mandate implementation, conducted assessments and planned for police components of new operations, and assisted in the development of new concepts on the use of civilian police in peacekeeping operations
- Screened, interviewed and made recommendations for selected posts within the Civilian Police Division
- Effectively managed assigned missions and planned for new operations and worked effectively other Divisions within DPKO and other peacekeeping partners.
Head of Civil Affairs and Police Advisor
OSCE Mission to Croatia
Zagreb, Croatia
01.1999 - 02.2001
- As Head of Civil Affairs and Police Adviser, responsibilities include: advising the Senior Management of the Mission and Senior Government Officials on all issues related to democratic policing and security, monitoring governmental compliance with international commitments in these areas and in regard to missing persons, war crimes, education, health and military matters and advising high-level governmental officials on the aforementioned matters
- Responsibilities also included the screening, selection and deployment of police monitors, the development and delivery of training programs for police monitors and general mission staff, and the design and implementation of reporting systems for the effective monitoring and assessment of police performance
- Organized and chaired a Task Force whose purpose was to assist the Croatian government in developing an action plan to combat the trafficking in woman and children
- The task force was comprised of members of the Croatian parliament, Assistant Ministers and representatives of the international community and NGOs
- Actively participated in the Stability Pact Task Force on organized crime and another on trafficking in woman and children
- Successfully implemented OSCE policing mandate in Croatia, and planned and successfully implemented the restructuring of OSCE police mission
- Prepared a lessons learned report on the OSCE police experience, which included future recommendations.
Chief of Police Operations and Deputy
OSCE Mission to Croatia
Vukovar, Croatia
10.1998 - 01.1999
- Chief of Police Operations
- From the inception of OSCE police engagement in Croatia, my responsibilities included supervising all operational activities, including inspections of all facilities (fourteen OSCE police facilities and fourteen local police facilities)
- Responsibilities also required that I engage on a regular basis the leadership of the Croatian police on issues ranging from operational planning to non-compliance
- Wrote and implemented operational orders ensuring fulfillment of the OSCE policing mandate
- Inspected, supervised, trained and advised the OSCE police, local police, and local government officials regarding the democratization of local police institutions
- Coordinated the integration of the OSCE police into the wider OSCE Mission and conducted weekly press briefings on local radio and television
- Responsibilities included: formulating policy for the implementation of the UN police mandate, supervising, training and monitoring the creation and deployment of a multi-ethnic (Croat and Serb) democratic police force, designing and implementing quarterly evaluations of all police monitors, briefing senior international and domestic officials about police operations and the security situation, and acting as spokesman with the media
- Also responsible for all aspects of the administration, personnel, operations, and compliance of the civilian police force with the terms of the mandate
- Assisted OSCE in successfully planning and implementing its first policing mandate
- Prepared and implemented in partnership with the local police numerous police operational plans.
Police Officer
UNTAES, United nations Mission
Vukovar, Croatia
05.1996 - 09.1996
- Advised, monitored and reported on local police activities in light of international policing and human rights standards
- Performed field training of local police officers
- Involved in the establishment of a multi ethnic democratic police.
Police Detective Squad Commander
New York City Police Department
New York, NY
05.1994 - 09.1996
- Supervised police detectives investigating homicides, assaults, robberies, burglaries, sex crimes and frauds
- Analyzed crime statistics and designed and implemented innovative crime control strategies based on the analyses and reported regularly to the Police Commissioner our efforts
- Conducted managerial reviews to ensure compliance with NYPD investigative guidelines and integrity programs
- Developed innovative strategies to reduce burglaries and other street crime
- Highest homicide clearance rate in Borough.
Police Sergeant
New York City Police Department, Inspections Unit
New York, NY
01.1994 - 05.1994
- Supervised the implementation of the NYPD integrity policies and programs and conducted investigations into allegations of misconduct by members of the service, prepared reports to the Police Commissioner recommending appropriate adjudication of cases
- Implemented integrity testing and self-initiated patrol monitoring programs
- Also responsible for audits and managerial reviews of fifteen precincts to ensure compliance with department guidelines
- Participated in a new program to strengthen the internal controls overseeing the police aimed at enhancing the credibility and promoting confidence by the public in the police.
Police Patrol Supervisor/Precinct Training Supervisor
New York City Police Department
New York, NY
12.1992 - 01.1994
- Training Supervisor
- Supervised the patrol activities and operations of up to 400 police officers
- Identified training needs, researched and prepared training materials, and conducted training in police procedures, tactics, report writing, cultural awareness and other areas
- Also responsible to ensure compliance with OSHA regulations
- Developed on-going training programs for the largest police precinct in NYC
- Mentored new recruits.
Police Detective
New York City Police Department
New York, NY
11.1989 - 12.1992
- Investigated homicides, assaults, robberies, burglaries, sex crimes, domestic violence and fraud cases (included interviewing witnesses, completing case documentation and coordinating cases with the District Attorney)
- Worked a number of high profile case which were successfully concluded.
Detective-Organized Crime
New York City Police Department
New York, NY
06.1986 - 11.1989
- Conducted joint investigations of high level narcotic dealers in co-operation with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Successfully coordinated numerous high level investigations with federal agencies.
Police Officer
New York City Police Department
New York, NY
07.1981 - 05.1986
- Performed all facets of police work, including uniformed and plain clothes patrols in various ethnically diverse communities of New York City.
Education
Executive JD in Law -
Concord Law School, Purdue University Global
06.2005
Bachelor's degree in Accounting -
Hofstra University
12.1986
Diploma in Police Academy -
New York City Police Academy
12.1981
Skills
- Senior Leadership (10 years)
- Change Management (10 years)
- Human Resources Management (10 years)
- Crisis Management (10 years)
- Program Management (10 years)
- Recruiting (10 years)
- Project Management (10 years)
- Communication skills
- Management
- Supervising experience
- Conflict management
- Data Collection
- Interview Techniques
- Performance Management
- Budget Management
- Office Management
- Evidence Collection
- Intelligence Gathering
- Surveillance Techniques
- Legal Knowledge
- Investigative Procedures
- Interviewing Witnesses
- Collecting Evidence
- Criminal Investigation Coordination
- Researching Skills
- Report Preparation
- Community Relations
- Writing Reports
- Team Leadership Skills
- Incident Investigation
Timeline
Senior Police Strategic Evaluation Officer
United Nations
06.2015 - Current
Chief Selection and Recruitment
United Nations, DPKO
12.2013 - 06.2015
Deputy Chief of Staff
UNMIK
11.2011 - 12.2013
Senior Police Liaison Officer
United Nations
05.2008 - 11.2011
Chief Mission Management
United Nations
09.2006 - 05.2008
Chief
Protection Coordination Unit
05.2006 - 09.2006
Chief of Staff/Special Assistant
United Nations
07.2001 - 05.2006
Mission Management Officer
United Nations
02.2001 - 07.2001
Head of Civil Affairs and Police Advisor
OSCE Mission to Croatia
01.1999 - 02.2001
Chief of Police Operations and Deputy
OSCE Mission to Croatia
10.1998 - 01.1999
Police Officer
UNTAES, United nations Mission
05.1996 - 09.1996
Police Detective Squad Commander
New York City Police Department
05.1994 - 09.1996
Police Sergeant
New York City Police Department, Inspections Unit
01.1994 - 05.1994
Police Patrol Supervisor/Precinct Training Supervisor
New York City Police Department
12.1992 - 01.1994
Police Detective
New York City Police Department
11.1989 - 12.1992
Detective-Organized Crime
New York City Police Department
06.1986 - 11.1989
Police Officer
New York City Police Department
07.1981 - 05.1986
Executive JD in Law -
Concord Law School, Purdue University Global
Bachelor's degree in Accounting -
Hofstra University
Diploma in Police Academy -
New York City Police Academy
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