Now, Serpico was a detective in the NYPD in the 1970's. Now, he realized that there was plenty of corruption going on. He was hungry to get rid of this corruption in the NYPD. He was hungry to have a police force that was respectful. He was hungry and he was free. He went after it and what did he do? He went to the mayor. He went to the people above his chiefs and his lieutenants and he fought for what he wanted. He went to the press, and finally Serpico was able to get what he was after. Serpico was able to get numerous people fired, from the high-ups down low. He was able to get what he wanted. He was hungry, and he was free in his actions.