Ranking Characters Of The Wire: The Law
11. Ervin H. Burrell
The commissioner of the Baltimore police department was a corrupt and vain individual who cared more about his public perception and career advancement than about keeping his city safe from crime. Burrell would often pay people off with the promise of promotions within the force and he remained the key figurehead for corruption in the department throughout all five seasons.
Played by an always captivating Frankie Faison, Burrell's struggle to balance keeping the politicians of the city appeased and controlling the detectives under him to bring in positive statistics became his constant battle on the show. Faison brings a sense of pathetic desperation to the role which makes Burrell easy to root against but also makes for a great character.
Determined to avoid scandals and upsets at all costs, Burrell's single minded focus on advancing his career and status was his eventual undoing as he was unceremoniously dismissed by mayor Carcetti for doctoring crime statistics. A fitting end for a duplicitous and deceptive character.