@Torvald: go directly to your nearest DVD store, do not pass Fox, do not collect CSI.

I guarantee you'll like the series.
The Wire gives you a good impression of Baltimore, as the city is the star in this series. While there are some things which are unique about Baltimore, the topics and problems The Wire adresses can be seen in most american cities. I would always love to put our german wannabe gangstas in these environments to show them what they talk/sing about - guess most of them wouldn't last 30 minutes...

I agree with CCIP, most people who work in these neighbourhoods earn less than they deserve.