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Adam-12 Star: Cops Said "Don't Embarrass Us"
8 Jun
Summary
- Real officers advised Adam-12 actors on authenticity.
- The show positively impacted public perception of law enforcement.
- Adam-12 served as a training tool for police departments nationwide.
Kent McCord, who portrayed Officer Jim Reed in the classic police drama Adam-12, recently discussed the show's impact. McCord, now 83, recalled creator Jack Webb's initial warning to him and co-star Martin Milner to avoid embarrassing the police department. Webb emphasized the importance of their on-screen conduct, as any missteps could quickly spread through law enforcement circles.
According to McCord, the show, which aired from 1968 to 1975, significantly influenced public perception of police officers. He shared an anecdote where an officer admitted the show raised the bar, making it harder for them to live up to the fictionalized image. McCord also highlighted the show's unintended success with children.
The series maintained a high level of authenticity, even using a technical advisor who was a real police officer. This commitment to realism led to Universal Studios distributing 16 mm prints of Adam-12 to police departments across the country for training purposes, a fact McCord found gratifying. The show's simple premise focused on the daily duties of two Los Angeles patrol officers.
