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In the realm of television, law enforcement series abound, often featuring characters who exploit their authority for selfish gains.
Many of the most unsavory police characters on TV willingly flout the very laws they are meant to enforce, primarily motivated by personal benefit.
Whether attempting to conceal their corrupt actions, evade penalties, or extract sensitive information, these unscrupulous officers frequently engage in illegal behavior.
Below, we present our selections for some of the most notorious law enforcement characters to grace our screens.
Join us in the comments to share your thoughts on who you believe embodies law enforcement at its worst, especially if there are characters we’ve missed!
TV’s Most Corrupt Law Enforcement Officers
Television offers a wide spectrum of law enforcement shows, from the comedic tones of Reno 911 and Brooklyn Nine-Nine to the more serious narratives seen in series like FBI, Law & Order, and Blue Bloods.
Many of these programs draw inspiration from actual events, with police corruption frequently serving as a central plot point.
While these dramatizations often exaggerate realities, they give us permission to cheer for flawed characters since it’s fiction. Here’s a look at some of the most egregious law enforcement officers that both frustrate and fascinate us.
Hank Voight – Chicago PD
Over the twelve seasons of Chicago PD, Hank Voight, portrayed by Jason Beghe, skirts the fine line between integrity and corruption.
Though arguably less corrupt than others in this discussion, Voight consistently engages in questionable practices that land him on the wrong side of the law.
Were it not for his badge and the loyalty of his team, he might have faced significant legal repercussions much earlier in his career. His unorthodox and often illegal methods, however, typically resonate with viewers, who often find themselves justifying his actions.
Voight’s influence has a ripple effect on his team within the Intelligence Unit, including his former partner Alvin Olinsky and officers like Jay Halstead and Hailey Upton.
Ian and Robert Ferguson – Mayor of Kingstown
The Ferguson brothers, central to Mayor of Kingstown, exemplify morally ambiguous characters who invoke strong viewer reactions.
Mike McLusky, the titular mayor, commits numerous offenses, often without a clear heroic motivation, which can be expected from his background as an ex-con. However, his brothers, notably Ian and Robert, act with even fewer excuses as they engage in their own criminal behaviors.
Ian’s decision to murder serial killer Charlie in a bid to protect himself remains a notorious moment, while Robert’s increasingly sociopathic tendencies have drawn significant ire since Season 1.
Vic Mackey and Shane Vendrell – The Shield
The Shield, a groundbreaking police drama that aired for seven seasons, introduced audiences to the morally bankrupt Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis) and his equally corrupt partner, Shane Vendrell (Walton Goggins).
Mackey’s approach to policing often involved criminal tactics akin to those of the criminals he hunted, exemplifying a troubling blend of utility and lawlessness. His illegal actions for personal gain or public good left viewers grappling with their moral compass.
Shane Vendrell, whose heinous acts included murdering his partner, further complicated the narrative, culminating in a tragic conclusion filled with violence and betrayal.
Dexter Morgan from Dexter
Dexter Morgan, a blood spatter analyst for the Miami Police Department, represents a unique twist on law enforcement. By day, he aids investigations; by night, he delivers vigilante justice to other killers.
This premise resonated deeply with audiences, resulting in a beloved series that ran from 2006 to 2013, later spawning a sequel series, Dexter: New Blood, after a decade-long hiatus.
Despite his morally ambiguous role as a serial killer who targets fellow murderers, Dexter remains a figure that audiences find themselves rooting for.
Wayne Unser (Sons of Anarchy)
In the gritty world of Sons of Anarchy, Wayne Unser, played by a resilient character who bends the law to suit the needs of an outlaw motorcycle club, showcases the complex interactions between law enforcement and crime.
His role as Chief of Police had him turning a blind eye to criminal activities, demonstrating the blurred lines between his duties and his personal loyalties, particularly to Gemma, Jax’s mother.
Daniel Hersl (We Own This City)
Based on real events, We Own This City delves into the shocking corruption within a Baltimore police unit, specifically the Gun Trace Task Force. Daniel Hersl, portrayed by Josh Charles, epitomizes the systemic failings that resulted in abuse of power and misconduct.
The series highlights the troubling reality of crooked law enforcement officials and their misdeeds, painting a stark contrast to the ideals of justice they are sworn to uphold.
Elizabeth Keane (The Blacklist)
Elizabeth Keane, a complex character in The Blacklist, intricately weaves a narrative of crime and law enforcement. Her upbringing, marred by a legacy of criminality, led her down a path where she ultimately became a significant figure in organized crime, despite her initial intentions to uphold the law.
Nick Armstrong (The Rookie)
During his tenure on The Rookie, Detective Nick Armstrong’s charming facade concealed a deep-rooted corruption that threatened the integrity of the police department. His involvement with local gangs and subsequent actions placed him at odds with his colleagues and the law.
Armstrong’s deception not only endangered his fellow officers but also revealed the vulnerabilities within the department, underscoring the complex nature of crime and law enforcement.
Jackie Rohr (City on a Hill)
In City on a Hill, Jackie Rohr, played by Kevin Bacon, is an FBI agent grappling with personal demons while trying to navigate the murky waters of corruption in Boston. His partnerships may yield results, but they exacerbate his failings as a law enforcement officer, highlighting the difficulties of maintaining integrity in a flawed system.
The Low Bar Set by TV’s Corrupt Cops
This examination of television’s corrupt law enforcement characters shows the troubling reality when those sworn to protect the law instead embody its violations. From the manipulative to the overtly criminal, these characters challenge the notion of justice and ethics.
We invite you to contribute your perspectives. Who do you think stands out as the most impactful corrupt officer in TV history? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
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