Why did they call it Hamsterdam in The Wire?

Quickly nicknamed Hamsterdam – a corruption of Amsterdam, “one of those countries where drugs are legal” – the experiment is successful in clearing drug dealing off residential street corners that had been blighted by the dealing and its attendant violence for years.

Was Hamsterdam real The Wire?

There never was a real “Hamsterdam” police-led de facto drug-legalization experiment, or at least no such situation has ever been made public. But Kurt Schmoke, mayor from 1988 through 1999, entertained the idea of fighting the drug war in Baltimore by decriminalizing narcotics.

Was Hamsterdam a real thing?

Most minor crimes have been decriminalized in the City of Baltimore. Sound familiar? That’s because The Wire did it 17 years ago. In season 3, episode 4, the fictionalized Baltimore Police Department creates an autonomous zone, nicknamed “Hamsterdam,” not dissimilar to Seattle’s recent experiment.

Where is Hamsterdam in The Wire?

Bunny Colvin’s season three quasi-legal drug zone experiment (or Hamsterdam as it was known to the hoppers and yos of West Baltimore) was located south of E North Ave between Broadway and Bond St. The vacant row houses have since been torn down.

Is hamsterdam a good idea?

In The Wire, Hamsterdam’s depenalization approach reduced crime and drug-related violence, improved neighborhoods, connected drug users with public health officials, and did not seem to significantly increase drug use. Its one real failing was that it could not survive political backlash and therefore did not last.

What was hamsterdam based on?

The title refers to the Dutch city of Amsterdam, which is famous for its liberal drug laws; Officers Thomas “Herc” Hauk and Anthony Colicchio use the city’s name as an example to the drug dealers.

Is Hamsterdam a good idea?

Does The Wire accurately portray Baltimore?

Yes, The Wire is extremely accurate. But, you have to keep in mind that the show centers on public housing projects in West Baltimore. If you come to Baltimore looking for what you’ve seen on The Wire, West Baltimore projects such as McCulloh Homes is where you find it. Much of Baltimore is fairly safe.

Did Baltimore have a drug zone?

In the show’s third season, the Baltimore PD designates a neighbourhood in the city as a prosecution-free zone for drug use and possession, which comes to be known as “Hamsterdam”.

What was The Wire based on?

The Wire draws its plot from a true story. It derives from stories written by David Simon. Many characters reflect real people, like Omar Little, who inspired Michael Clark Duncan’s character in The Green Mile (1999). Other notable inspirations include Jimmy McNulty, whose name inspired several other key characters.

What episode does Hamsterdam take place in the wire?

” Hamsterdam ” (called ” Amsterdam ” in some releases) is the fourth episode of the third season of the HBO original series The Wire. The episode was written by George Pelecanos from a story by David Simon & George Pelecanos and was directed by Ernest Dickerson.

Who is the director of the episode Hamsterdam?

The episode was written by George Pelecanos and directed by Ernest Dickerson . Officers Hauk and Colicchio use Amsterdam, a city with liberal drug laws, to explain the legalized drug zones. One of the young dealers mispronounces the city as “Hamsterdam”, which later becomes the name of one of the zones.

Is Hamsterdam the same as Amsterdam?

Not to be confused with Amsterdam. Colvin and Officer Mello arrive at Hamsterdam, a location where dealers can sell drugs legally under police supervision. ” Hamsterdam ” (called ” Amsterdam ” in some releases) is the fourth episode of the third season of the HBO original series The Wire.

What is the 4th episode of the wire called?

Jump to navigation Jump to search. 4th episode of the third season of The Wire. “Hamsterdam” (called “Amsterdam” in the first DVD release) is the fourth episode of the third season of the HBO original series The Wire. The episode was written by George Pelecanos from a story by David Simon & George Pelecanos and was directed by Ernest Dickerson.

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