Murray Burrows
Murray Burrows is a wombat and Pawbert's assigned parole officer in We Can Fix Pawbert. Introduced in S04E01 "Release," Burrows oversees Pawbert's three-year Post-Release Supervision (PRS) term, conducting regular check-ins and ensuring compliance with release conditions.
"My job isn't to punish you. You've done your time. My job is to make sure you successfully reintegrate into society. That means I need you to succeed." — Murray Burrows (S04E01)
Background
Burrows works at the Central Parole Office, managing cases for released offenders navigating Post-Release Supervision. His approach is practical and supportive rather than punitive---he sees his role as facilitating successful reintegration, not as an extension of incarceration.
Personality
Burrows is methodical, fair, and quietly supportive. He conducts his work with professional efficiency while maintaining a genuine investment in his clients' success. His demeanor is rumpled but competent---someone who has seen many cases and approaches each one without prejudice.
Key personality traits:
- Practical --- Focused on outcomes, not appearances
- Fair --- Judges situations on their merits, not assumptions
- Professional --- Thorough in his documentation and procedures
- Supportive --- Genuinely wants his clients to succeed
Series History
Season 4
Burrows is introduced in S04E01 "Release" when Pawbert reports to the Central Parole Office at 2 PM on his release day. Burrows explains the terms of Post-Release Supervision: weekly check-ins for three months (then monthly if compliant), no leaving Zootopia without written approval, stable housing requirement, no firearms, no contact with known felons without approval, consent to searches, and no alcohol or controlled substances.
When Pawbert provides Luther Pawthorne's name and address for residence verification, Burrows pauses at the name recognition but proceeds professionally. He clarifies his philosophy: "My job isn't to punish you. You've done your time. My job is to make sure you successfully reintegrate into society."
In S04E03 "Transfer," Burrows conducts a surprise home visit to verify Pawthorne Mansion as Pawbert's residence. He methodically inspects the space, noting the unusual situation of three law enforcement officers living with a parolee. When shown the secure firearms storage room Luther built to ensure PRS compliance, and after Nick Wilde's passionate defense of Pawbert, Burrows approves the residence: "Residence approved. Pending continued compliance." His parting words: "Mr. Lynxley. Good luck."
In S04E07 "Transfer Credit," Burrows conducts a regular Monday check-in. He confirms the Deersneyland trip (S04E06) was within Pawbert's travel radius. When Pawbert mentions re-enrolling at GYU and changing his major to Social Work, Burrows warns about background check requirements for field placements: "Your record won't prevent you from enrolling, but it may limit your placement options. Some agencies won't work with felons." He offers rare encouragement: "It's rare that someone uses this time to actually... build something. Good luck, Mr. Lynxley. I mean that."
Throughout Season 4, Burrows conducts regular check-ins as Pawbert progresses through his supervision period, transitioning from weekly to monthly visits as Pawbert demonstrates compliance.
Season 5
In "Golden Age", Burrows conducts Pawbert's final PRS appointment---the culmination of three years of supervision. He reviews Pawbert's clean record and asks an off-the-record question: what has Pawbert learned? Pawbert answers that he learned he is not what he did, and that he is allowed to exist. Burrows signs the Certificate of Completion and delivers the words: "Congratulations, Mr. Lynxley. You're free." His parting advice: "Don't make me regret the good things I wrote about you."
Key Relationships
Pawbert Pawthorne
Burrows is Pawbert's parole officer for the three-year PRS term. Their relationship is professional but respectful---Burrows provides structure without condescension, and Pawbert meets his obligations without resentment. Burrows represents the system working as it should: fair, practical, and focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Key Phrases
| Phrase | Context | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| "My job isn't to punish you." | S04E01 | Establishes his philosophy |
| "My job is to make sure you successfully reintegrate." | S04E01 | Frames supervision as support |
| "That means I need you to succeed." | S04E01 | Aligns his interests with Pawbert's |
| "Residence approved. Pending continued compliance." | S04E03 | Approves Pawthorne Mansion |
| "Good luck." | S04E03 | Parting words after home visit |
| "It's rare that someone uses this time to actually... build something." | S04E07 | Recognizing Pawbert's proactive reintegration |
| "Congratulations, Mr. Lynxley. You're free." | S05E01 | Signing the Certificate of Completion |
| "Don't make me regret the good things I wrote about you." | S05E01 | Parting words at final appointment |
Post-Release Supervision Terms
As explained by Burrows in S04E01, Pawbert's PRS conditions include:
- Duration: Three years
- Check-ins: Weekly for first three months, then monthly if compliant
- Travel: Cannot leave Zootopia without written approval
- Housing: Must maintain stable, verified residence
- Firearms: No possession or access
- Associations: No contact with known felons without approval
- Searches: Subject to random searches
- Substances: No alcohol or controlled substances
Trivia
- Burrows' name is a pun on "burrow," reflecting his wombat species.
- He is described as wearing a "rumpled suit," suggesting a practical, no-nonsense approach to his work.
- His approval of the unusual living arrangement at Pawthorne Mansion demonstrates his willingness to evaluate situations fairly rather than reflexively.
- Despite the Pawthorne name recognition, Burrows treats Pawbert's case professionally without special treatment in either direction.