The Legend of Kent McCord, Jim Reed, and "Adam-12"

"Adam-12" debuted in the fall of 1968, bringing a vision of humanity and friendliness to the LAPD’s authoritative blue uniform. The show was created by Bob Cinader and driven by the creator of television’s “Dragnet”, Jack Webb — and backed with the LAPD’s support — the appeal of the show was its simplicity, from the scripts to the set. Actors Kent McCord and Martin Milner’s on set camaraderie translated into a real-life off set friendship, adding an air of authenticity to the production. 

Kent McCord, who portrayed officer Jim Reed, continues to carry the legacy of "Adam-12" to this very day. From Florida to Australia, McCord’s fan base often echoes this simple yet profound sentiment: “I became a police officer because of you.” 

In recognition of the show’s positive impact on the relationship between law enforcement and the greater Los Angeles community, the Los Angeles Police Museum is gracing its halls with fictional uniforms from the show; a departure from the authentic police uniforms typically found on display.

The new "Adam-12" exhibit features original memorabilia and storytelling for television fans, history buffs, and those inspired to interact better within their own communities. Mannequins in blue uniforms stand in tall glass cases, and a looping video reel featuring Kent McCord gives audio highlighting the reality behind the stories. Below, Kent reflects on his time working on the beloved "Adam-12" set.

Why is "Adam-12" still relevant today? 

Kent:

From the time the show debuted on NBC 50 years ago the impact was expressed to us almost immediately. Most of the show was shot on location so we had a lot of feedback from the public as well as police officers. Two things stand out to me. We were shooting in a park and two officers stopped by. They told us how much they liked the show and one of them said, “ but you’re really making it tough on us, we have to live up to your image.” 

Another time a motor officer told us he could mark the difference pre Adam-12 and post Adam-12. He said that kids felt more comfortable approaching him. 

Those kinds of comments continue to this day from past and present members of law enforcement and from those who aspire to become police officers.

And as an actor who worked closely with the LAPD, what advice would you give to police officers?

Kent: 

It’s a great profession. Keep your sense of humor

What was it like to work with Martin Milner and Jack Webb? 

Kent: 

Jack was legend in our house dating from the Dragnet radio show in 1949 to the 1952 to 1959 television show. I was under contract to Universal studios and Jack was casting a Movie of the Week to bring Dragnet back to television. I went into his office to read for the role of a hotel clerk. Jack tossed a newspaper across his desk and said, “Read the headline”...now I can’t remember the headline but I read it and Jack said, “Good kid, you can read. You got the job.”

Jack was very demanding as a director. You either did it his way or you didn’t work for him. He was incredibly loyal to those actors that became part of his stock company. You’ll see the same actors in a variety of roles used throughout Jack’s career. I was lucky enough to become one of those actors.

Another of those actors who dated back to Dragnet on radio was Martin Milner. I was the luckiest man in the world when Jack chose Marty to play Pete Malloy. Marty’s work ethic and professionalism were examples to everyone. I got my start standing in for Ricky Nelson on “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.” I saw first hand what a set environment should be. Marty had the same sense of how a set should be. Efficient, friendly, where everybody loved each other, and the goal was to make a good show. We became the best of friends. Our families meshed and we did a lot of things together.

What was it like to portray an authority figure during the Vietnam era? 

Kent: 

1968 was a particularly contentious year in America and the world for that matter. You had an unpopular war and protests against it. Uniformed police became the frontline of the establishment. I had some misgivings about playing a police officer. But, Bob Cinader insisted that Marty and I spend time doing ride alongs with an officer in a car. It did two things for us. We got to see the reality of police work, and it exposed us to the people who were actually doing the job. It showed us that police officers were just like the majority of the public. The only difference was is that their job continually put them at risk.

Final thoughts on "Adam-12"?

Kent: 

The simplicity of the show was its charm. Once in a while, I’ll catch it on TV and it still works. While the ability to communicate in the car has changed, the interaction with the public has stayed pretty constant. The vignetted format of the show has staying power. We portrayed two police officers in a black and white in the streets of Los Angeles doing what two police officers in a black and white in the streets of Los Angeles would do. Period. There was a positive moral to the show without becoming to preachy.