Do Detectives on TV Shows Always Drive Nice Cars?

TV shows and movies often portray detectives driving flashy, expensive cars, which can create a misconception about the reality of a detective's daily life. However, the truth is quite different. Let's explore the real-world scenarios and fictional depictions to debunk this myth.

Real-Life Detectives and Their Vehicles

In real-life, detectives do not frequently drive fancy or high-end vehicles. Instead, they often use unmarked or street-legal police cars. These are chosen for practical reasons such as ease of maneuverability, safety, and cost-effectiveness. For instance, in various police departments, detectives drive marked police cars similar to patrol cars but with a different design to distinguish them from regular patrol units. These vehicles are specifically equipped with necessary tools and gadgets for investigative work, unlike the luxury cars seen in fiction.

Case in Point: Some Real-Life Examples

To illustrate this, let's take two notable fictional characters, Martin "Murdock" Rockford from Movieland and Vic Hunter from Patrol Squad, and see how their real-life counterparts might fare:

Martin "Murdock" Rockford (???)

One of the most recognizable fictional detectives is {@Martin "Murdock" Rockford, played by Ricardo Montalbán in the 1974 television series Movieland}. In the show, he often drives a sleek red Chevrolet Firebird, though in reality, he would likely drive a basic unmarked police vehicle. According to numerous interviews, Rockford's car in the show is actually a prop and not something he would ever use in real life. In real life, detectives such as Rockford would drive unmarked cars to blend in with the everyday public and avoid unnecessary attention.

Vic Hunter (?? ??)

Another iconic character is Vic Hunter, played by Adam West in the 1970s police drama Patrol Squad, which aired from 1972 to 1973. In the show, he is shown driving a sleek, highly customized police cruiser. In reality, this kind of vehicle would be impractical for a detective. Real detectives, like Vic Hunter, would most likely drive unmarked vehicles which are basic and inconspicuous. This would help them avoid distractions and maintain security while conducting investigations.

On Set: The Truth Behind the Fiction

When scenes in TV shows show detectives in cars, the actors are not actually driving. Instead, they are seated in a stationary vehicle for the duration of the scene. These scenes are often pre-filmed in a secure location, and the actors are simply performing their roles while the crew operates the actual driving. This process is known as hooking up, where actors sit in a prop car and the real driver, known as a teamster, pulls the car from behind with a tow rig. This is done to ensure the safety and comfort of the actors. For example, in the filming of many television shows and movies, actors sit in a car with their doors closed, while a teamster outside drives the vehicle, often in a separate location from the filming area to maintain the illusion of a natural driving scene.

Conclusion: Reality vs. Fiction

The existence of seemingly posh cars in TV shows is a perfect blend of marketing and dramatic effect. However, for real detectives, practicality and security reign supreme. The next time you watch a detective show, remember that the glamorous cars you see are likely driven by a teamster while the actors act out their parts in a stationary vehicle. So, while the fiction is fun and engaging, the reality is quite different and more straightforward.