Over the Wall: From the Dangerous Streets of NYC…Through the Birth of Counterterrorism and Beyond

Early in his career, Hallinan became embroiled in deadly mob cases, which pulled him under the scrutiny of the feared and historic Knapp Commission on police corruption. In extreme danger and under pressure, he persevered and kept his integrity intact. Higher-ups took notice and brought him into the chief of detectives’ office where he helped reorganize robbery squads and create innovative and responsive new police initiatives. One such effort helped bring awareness and sensitivity to sexual assault investigations and contributed to the creation of the revolutionary Special Victims Unit. And that was only the beginning.

As the 80s unfolded and deadly attacks on police, diplomatic missions, and corporate targets escalated throughout the city, Hallinan relied on the mentoring of a growing network of law enforcement notables. It was compiling this amazing human network that made him the perfect choice to help pull together and lead the pioneering FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force. The JTTF, as it came to be known, would go on to create many of the counterterrorism tools and tactics that keep America safe to this very day. After retiring from law enforcement, Hallinan began a new chapter as Executive Director of Security and Facilities Management for Major League Baseball.

His fascinating inside look at a life in law enforcement spans layers of history, explores evolutions in national security, and features game-changing heroes and eye-opening innovations. Kevin M. Hallinan’s life and learning are at once informative, thrilling, entertaining—and perhaps most of all, truly inspiring.