Detective Mike Kellerman on Homicide: Life on the Street resigns from the police force due to his involvement in falsified reports, later becoming a private investigator.
Kellerman's tenure with the Baltimore Police Department's Homicide Unit concludes under controversial circumstances that challenge his professional integrity and ultimately lead to his departure.
The Circumstances of His Departure
Kellerman faced a critical juncture in his career after becoming involved in a situation that led to the creation of false police reports. This ethical breach also implicated two other officers, Lewis and Stivers. The gravity of the situation presented Kellerman with two stark choices:
- Option 1: Face a Jury Trial: He could have proceeded with a jury trial, potentially winning the case. However, this path guaranteed that he, Lewis, and Stivers would all be fired once the details of their false reports came to light during the proceedings.
- Option 2: Resign: Alternatively, Kellerman could choose to resign. This action would allow Lewis and Stivers to retain their positions within the department, saving their careers at the expense of his own.
| Choice Faced by Kellerman | Outcome for Officers | Impact on Kellerman |
|---|---|---|
| Jury Trial | All three fired | Potential win but job loss |
| Resignation | Lewis & Stivers keep jobs | Resigns from force |
Kellerman's Decision and Its Aftermath
Ultimately, Mike Kellerman made the difficult decision to resign from the police force. While this preserved the careers of Lewis and Stivers, his actions and the circumstances surrounding his departure led to a significant loss of respect from most of his former colleagues in the squad.
Despite leaving the police force, Kellerman's story didn't end there. He later transitioned into a new career path, becoming a private investigator. This new role allowed him to continue working in the investigative field, albeit outside the official police structure, and he was seen in this capacity during Season 7 of the series.
