Can You Match the TV Cops to Their Job Title?

By: Jacqueline Samaroo
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You Match the TV Cops to Their Job Title?
Image: FX

About This Quiz

Ready for some crime-busting action? These lineup of cop shows are sure to keep you right on the edge of your seat!

Some of the best TV cop shows focuses on just one cop who uses his or her crime-solving skills to catch the bad guys. For instance, take that bald-headed cop who loves to eat lollipops while he's tracking down the bad guys. His title is all about what he does and he does it oh so well! Do you have an inkling of whom we're talking about? You're probably right but you will have to take the quiz to be sure!

Other shows were all about teamwork, whether between two partners or an entire precinct. For example, that show named after two female cops who showed the world that the ladies in blue work just as hard as the men do. Surely, you remember THAT show - but do you remember the job titles of its stars? We'll see once you get the quiz underway!

Each of the TV cops in this quiz worked pretty darn hard to earn his or her title. How hard will you have to work to get each of those titles correct? It's time to start the quiz so we can find out!

andy griffith
CBS
What was the title of Andy Taylor on CBS’s The Andy Griffith Show?
Lieutenant
Deputy Chief, Major Crimes Division
Sheriff
Detective Sergeant
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith) had a whole lot more on his plate than being a small town sheriff. During the show’s run (1960 – 1968), he was also an agent of the State Bureau of Investigation, a Postal Inspector and a Justice of the Peace.

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Frank
Video Archives
On NBC’s Hill Street Blues, what was the title of Francis "Frank" Furillo?
Captain
Senior Detective
Lieutenant
Chief of Police
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Daniel J. Travanti played the role of Captain Frank Furillo from 1981 – 1987. He appeared in all 7 seasons and in 144 out of the show’s 146 episodes. Hill Street Blues is, by far, Travanti’s most popular role to date.

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Carl Winslow
warnerarchive
Which title was assigned to Carl Winslow on the ABC/CBS series Family Matters?
Captain
Deputy Sheriff
ICE Agent
Assistant Inspector
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Carl Otis Wilson (C.O.W.) is a dedicated police officer who moves up the ranks as the show progresses. Wilson (Reginald VelJohnson) goes from Sergeant to Lieutenant and ends the series as Captain. You go Carl!

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Hutch
Oldies09
On ABC’s Starsky & Hutch, what was Kenneth “Hutch” Hutchinson’s title?
Lieutenant
DEA Agent
Chief
Detective
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Detective Kenneth “Hutch” Hutchinson (David Soul) might have been the brains of the duo but his car certainly left a lot to be desired. It was no good as an undercover car since its horn went off at the worst times, alerting everyone of the detective's presence!

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marybethlacey
Merlyn Putney
Mary Beth Lacey on CBS’s Cagney & Lacey held which title?
Chief of Police
Detective
Assistant Inspector
Sergeant
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Cagney & Lacey (1982 – 1988) was quite a groundbreaking show and the 6 consecutive Emmy’s won by its leading ladies prove it. For her part, Tyne Daly, who played the role of Detective Mary Beth Lacey, won four of the awards and received an equal number of Golden Globe nominations (although she did not win any of those).

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Who Loves Ya Baby. The Kojak Quiz 2
tmdb
Do you know the title of Theo Kojak on CBS’s Kojak?
Captain
Commissioner
Deputy
Detective Lieutenant
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

From 1973 to 1978, Telly Savalas as Detective Lieutenant Theofilides “Theo” Kojak solved many different crime scenarios with his catchphrase "Who Loves Ya, Baby?" Kojak also had a special liking for Tootsie Roll lollipops but thankfully, those never quite caught on as a fashion statement.

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Columbo
Columbo
In the NBC series named after him, what was Columbo’s title?
Sergeant
Sheriff
Lieutenant
ICE Agent
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Homicide detective Lieutenant Columbo (Peter Falk) liked asking all the necessary questions to solve any case. Just don’t ask him his first name, however, since all you’ll ever get as a reply is “Lieutenant!” Luckily for viewers, in a few episodes, the name Frank Columbo is distinguishable on his ID card.

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Andy
Kesudor
Andy Sipowitz on ABC’s NYPD Blue was assigned which title?
Lieutenant
Assistant Inspector
Detective Sergeant
Deputy Chief, Major Crimes Division
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

NYPD Blue’s Detective Sergeant Andy Sipowitz is, by far, the role for which Dennis Franz is best known for. Franz appeared in every one of the show’s 261 episodes.

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How well do you remember "Ironside?" 1
YouTube
Can you spot the title of Robert T. Ironside on the NBC series named after him?
Officer
Captain
Sheriff
Chief of Detectives
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Raymond Burr, who acted as Chief Ironside for 8 seasons (1967 – 1975), was already a famous actor long before the NBC hit show. He had spent 9 seasons portraying the hard-hitting criminal-defense lawyer Perry Mason (1957 – 1966) on the CBS drama of the same name.

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Daniels
Youtube
What was Cedric Daniels' title on The Wire?
Deputy Commissioner of Operations
Assistant Inspector
Lieutenant
Sheriff
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Portrayed by Lance Reddick, the character of Cedric Daniels was a previous lieutenant for several drug cartel units. The Wire was beloved by many fans and is still considered one of the greatest cop dramas of all time.

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Are You More Starsky Or Hutch 2
Youtube
The character David Starsky on ABC’s Starsky & Hutch held which title?
Deputy Chief, Major Crimes Division
Deputy Sheriff
Detective
Chief of Police
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Detective David Starsky (Paul Michael Glaser) was the moody, hipster half of the Starsky & Hutch duo (1975 – 1979). Glaser would be “promoted” years later when he portrayed Captain Jack Steeper on the crime drama Third Watch (2004 – 2005).

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peter
ABC
Peter Cochran on ABC’s The Mod Squad was assigned which title?
Detective
Sergeant
Deputy Sheriff
Lieutenant
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

For 5 seasons, The Mod Squad was one of the most popular shows on TV. Even people who weren’t in the habit of saying “Groovy!” liked the show for the counterculture vibes it portrayed. Among its young hip stars was Michael Cole, who portrayed undercover Detective Pete Cochran.

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Reno 911!
Artists First/CC
What was the title of James "Jim" Ronald Dangle on Comedy Central’s Reno 911!?
Captain
Detective Sergeant
Deputy Chief, Major Crimes Division
Lieutenant
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Oh, those short shorts! Once you’ve seen actor Thomas Lennon as Lieutenant James "Jim" Ronald Dangle in his trademark attire, it’s kind of hard to get the image out of your head. Rest assured, however, that this dedicated public servant only wears them for “mobility” reasons.

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True Detective 2014
HBO
What is the title of Rachel McAdam's character in True Detective?
Deputy
Captain
Detective
Sheriff
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

True Detective was a hit show with fans and expanded its main cast in Season 2 with actors like Rachel McAdams and Taylor Kitsch. The show was also filmed in Louisiana and California.

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rust cohle
HBO
Rustin "Rust" Cohle held which title in True Detective?
Captain
DEA Agent
Chief of Police
Detective
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Matthew McConaughey played the role of Rust Cohle, alongside Woody Harrelson. The show went on for 3 seasons and garnered several awards and nominations.

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Clancy
Fox
On Fox’s The Simpsons, what was the title of Clarence "Clancy" Wiggum?
Detective Lieutenant
Sergeant
Chief
Captain
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As the Police Chief of Springfield, Clarence "Clancy" Wiggum has big responsibilities. His way of classically bumbling through those responsibilities, however, provides many of the show’s humorous moments. Chief Wiggum is voiced by Hank Azaria, who also provides the voices of many other characters in the show, including tavern owner Morris "Moe" Szyslak.

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frank drebin
ABC
Police Squad! on ABC featured the character Frank Drebin with which title?
Detective Lieutenant
Captain
Deputy Sheriff
Assistant Inspector
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Leslie Nielsen’s iconic portrayal of Detective Lieutenant Frank Drebin in the Naked Gun film series all began with him playing the character in Police Squad! Many of the show’s fans are still disappointed that the TV show only lasted 1 season of 6 episodes.

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fin
CBS
Odafin "Fin" Tutuola on NBC’s Law & Order: SVU had which title?
ICE Agent
Lieutenant
Sheriff
Sergeant
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Odafin "Fin" Tutuola (Ice-T) began appearing on NBC’s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in the show’s second season and has remained one of its main characters. Tutuola has gone from being a Junior Detective to a Senior Detective and than on to the rank of Sergeant.

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farrell
HBO
Can you recall Colin Farrell's title on HBO’s True Detective?
Detective
DEA Agent
Captain
Commissioner
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Colin Farrell portrayed Detective Raymond "Ray" Velcoro on season 2 of True Detective. He was also joined by Vince Vaughn, Rachel McAdams and Kelly Reilly, who also came on board during season 2.

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Vick Mackey (The Shield)
Youtube
What was Vic Mackey's title on The Shield?
Assistant Inspector
Lieutenant
Officer
Detective
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Michael Chiklis portrayed Detective Vic Mackey on The Shield. The show premiered on FX from 2002 to 2008.

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Hill Street Blues 1981
TMDB
Which title was assigned to Phil Esterhaus on the NBC drama Hill Street Blues?
Detective
Deputy Chief, Major Crimes Division
Captain
Sergeant
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Fans of Hill Street Blues will never forget Sergeant Phil Esterhaus whose catchphrase “Let's be careful out there,” echoed the sentiment of all those who became totally engrossed in the show. Actor Michael Conrad, who portrayed the veteran cop, was rewarded with 2 Emmy Awards for the role.

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Pete Malloy
NBC
NBC’s Adam-12 featured the character Pete Malloy with which title?
DEA Agent
Lieutenant
Detective
Officer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Adam-12 was co-created by Jack Webb who also created and starred in Dragnet. Adam-12’s stars, Officers Pete Malloy (Martin Milner) and Jim Reed (Kent McCord) can also be seen in 7 episodes of Dragnet, as well as in 3 episodes of Adam-12’s spinoff show, Emergency!

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Sonny
NBC
James “Sonny” Crockett on NBC’s Miami Vice held which title?
Lieutenant
Detective
ICE Agent
Assistant Inspector
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When Miami Vice premiered in 1984, it immediately became TV’s most “colorful” cop show. That was due, in part to the fashion-forward colors of the suits worn by Detectives James “Sonny” Crockett (Don Johnson) and Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs (Philip Michael Thomas).

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How Well Do You Remember Cagney and Lacey 3
CBS
Can you remember the title of Christine Cagney on CBS’s Cagney & Lacey?
Detective
Lieutenant
Captain
Deputy Chief
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Detective Christine Cagney was portrayed by a total of 3 actresses during Cagney & Lacey’s run on CBS. In the movie which served as the pilot for the series, the actress was Loretta Swit, then Meg Foster took over for the series’ first 6 episodes. Sharon Gless starred as Cagney for the rest of the show’s 7 seasons and won 2 Emmy awards for her work.

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Rico
NBC
Which of these was the title of Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs on NBC’s Miami Vice?
Sergeant
Sheriff
Detective
Assistant Inspector
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Detective Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs (Philip Michael Thomas) and his partner Detective James “Sonny” Crockett (Don Johnson) rose to become fashion icons of the 1980’s. Their Ferrari Daytona and Ferrari Testarossa cars also became hot items, thanks to the show.

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Luther
BBC
Do you know the title of John Luther's character on Luther?
Detective Chief Inspector
Chief of Detectives
Captain
Detective Lieutenant
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Portrayed by Idris Elba, John Luther is a Detective Chief Inspector on BBC's Luther. The show is also the recipient of 11 Primetime Emmy Award nominations.

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Ray Holt
NBC
On Fox’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine, the character Ray Holt held which title?
Chief of Police
Captain
Deputy Sheriff
Detective Lieutenant
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Captain Ray Holt (Andre Braugher) heads a team of effective, though fragmented at times, NYPD detectives. They work out of the 99th precinct in Brooklyn, hence the show’s title: Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

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Jim Reed - Adam-12
YouTube
In the NBC series Adam-12, what was Jim Reed’s title?
Commissioner
Captain
Deputy Chief
Officer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Officer Jim Reed (Kent McCord) and his partner Officer Pete Malloy (Martin Milner) patrolled the streets in their squad car, 1-Adam-12, from which the show gets its name. The series ran on NBC for 7 seasons (1968–1975) and returned over a decade later as The New Adam-12 with different lead characters.

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The Closer
The Shephard/Robin Company
Brenda Leigh Johnson on TNT’s The Closer was assigned which title?
Detective Sergeant
Captain
Deputy Chief, Major Crimes Division
Officer
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson (Kyra Sedgwick) is in charge of the LAPD’s Major Crimes Division. Johnson is quite skilled at her job but not so smart when it comes to her cat. She only realizes it’s female AFTER it has kittens!

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happy valley
BBC One
What is Catherine Cawood's title on the show Happy Valley?
Assistant Inspector
Sergeant
Lieutenant
Captain
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sarah Lancashire plays Police Sergeant Catherine Cawood in Happy Valley. The show has also received many awards and nominations.

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law and order
NBC
Can you spot the title of Anita Van Buren on the NBC series Law & Order?
Captain
Commissioner
DEA Agent
Lieutenant
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Law & Order ran for 20 seasons and 456, making it one of the longest-running TV series of all time. Lieutenant Anita Van Buren (S. Epatha Merkerson) appeared on the show from its 4th to 20th seasons. Her 390 episodes made Lieutenant Van Buren the longest-running character on the show.

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justified
FX
What was the title of Raylan Givens in Justified?
Sheriff
Detective Lieutenant
Deputy
Chief of Police
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Justified is a popular show that aired on FX from 2010 to 2015. The show stars Timothy Olyphant, Nick Searcy and Joelle Carter.

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arthur
ABC
NYPD Blue’s Arthur Fancy was assigned which title?
Chief of Police
Assistant Inspector
Detective Sergeant
Captain
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Portraying the character Captain Arthur Fancy on NYPD Blue was not the only time actor James McDaniel took on the role of one of the boys in blue. He was Officer Franklin Rose and Sergeant Jesse Longford, respectively on the short-lived ABC dramas Cop Rock and Detroit 1-8-7.

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Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Wolf Films
Which of these is Olivia Benson’s title on NBC’s Law & Order: SVU?
Assistant Inspector
Lieutenant
DEA Agent
Deputy Chief, Major Crimes Division
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lieutenant Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) has been a main character on Law & Order: SVU since the show’s inception in 1999. She holds the distinction of being the only person from the very first season to still be a cast member of the series.

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fargo
FX
What is the title of Patrick Wilson's character in the Fargo TV show?
Chief
Captain
Commissioner
State Trooper
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Played by Patrick Wilson, Lou Solverson is a State Trooper on the hit TV show Fargo. There are currently 3 seasons of the show, and it is aired by the FX Network.

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batman
ABC
On Batman on ABC, what was James Gordon’s title?
Commissioner
Officer
Sheriff
Lieutenant
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Commissioner Gordon (Neil Hamilton) was one of the few people Bruce Wayne (Batman) trusted in Gotham City. It was Gordon’s daughter, Barbara, who went on to become Batgirl.

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Sergeant Joe Friday - Dragnet
YouTube
Dragnet’s Joe Friday had which title?
Chief of Police
Captain
Detective Sergeant
Commissioner
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Detective Sergeant Joseph “Joe” Friday has made his way from radio to television and on to the big screen. The character was originally created by Jack Webb for a 30-minute radio series which ran for 9 seasons (1949 – 1957). Webb then starred as Friday in the 1951 – 1959 TV series. The 1987 Dragnet film starred Dan Aykroyd as Friday.

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Barney Miller
Youtube
Which title was assigned to Barney Miller on the ABC series named after him?
Captain
Deputy Sheriff
Commissioner
Detective
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hal Linden portrayed Captain Bernard "Barney" Miller throughout all 8 seasons of the show. In the final episode Captain Miller makes it to the rank of Deputy Inspector – a post he had yearned for during the entire series.

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Sergeant Terry Jeffords
Universal Television
Do you know Terry Jeffords’ title on Fox’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine?
Captain
Lieutenant
Detective Sergeant
Sheriff
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Actor Terry Crews portrays Detective Sergeant Terry Jeffords on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Crews also had a role as a Detective in the 2008 film Street Kings.

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Gus Fargo
FX
Can you name the title of Gus Grimly from Fargo?
Sheriff
Detective Sergeant
Deputy
Captain
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Gus Grimly, played by Colin Hanks, is a Duluth police officer and later a mailman in the TV show Fargo. He helps solve a series of murders on Season 1.

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You Got:
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FX