In typical depictions of Police work in television and film, we as viewers are confined to a universe of black and white; good cops versus bad cops, morality versus corruption. The ethically upright Officer risks his job and life in order to expose the misconduct of his fellow Officers in protecting the integrity of his destined profession. The corruption of his fellow Officers is driven by greed and societal apathy, existing as part of an underground Police conspiracy of vast economic wealth. However, the moral vacuum of this universe neglects the realities of both law enforcement, and human nature.
HBO's the Wire succeeds in addressing Police and criminals as being of being on opposite sides of the law, while sharing the same pains frustrations of life. The Police on the Wire do not fit the mold of the "cop in shining armor," as they typically commit acts of minor corruption and outright violations of the constitution in their quest for justice. Their misconduct however, is forgiven due to their sense of duty and commitment to justice....or is it? By showing the Police struggling with the political red tape of the legal system and increasingly menial nature of their profession, coupled with the tribulations they face in their personal lives, the audience is trained to accept this "corruption"; to view these Police as simply succumbing to their human nature. This is not to say that every Police Officer depicted on the Wire is corrupt, but the fashion in which they are portrayed places significant emphasis on the politics and bureaucracy of law enforcement; thereby excusing misconduct by Officers as necessary to achieving their ultimate goal.
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