Real-life police officer Mike Hancock is interviewed by TV Time Machine host Jim Benson about how his career in law enforcement along with thousands of others, was inspired by the classic 1970’s crime drama, Adam-12.
In this edition of TV Time Machine, we trade in our magical transport to patrol a unique section of classic TV history, in an LAPD cruiser known as Adam-12. In this very special edition of our program, we are proud to welcome real-life police officer Mike Hancock, whose career in law enforcement was greatly inspired by this classic TV crime drama.
Over these audio segments, Mike Hancock helps us relive virtually every aspect of this classic television series and talks about how the fictional adventures of LAPD Officers Malloy and Reed, inspired literally thousands of young men and women to enter the field of law enforcement. Again, for those of you intrepid enough to go code three, feel free to read us our rights, as we slip from the restraints of the present, to experience a law and order past!
Listen to the Interview Below
Adam-12 Mike Hancock audio interview Segment One
In this segment, host Jim Benson talks to real-life police officer Mike Hancock about his earliest memories watching Adam-12 as a young lad, and how the exploits of officers Malloy and Reed (played by Martin Milner and Kent McCord) captivated his imagination. Officer Hancock also discusses show creator Jack Webb’s remarkable attention to detail and how authentic Adam-12 was to the day-to-day lives of real-life police officers. Mr. Hancock also talks about how Jack Webb’s series and the depiction of the LAPD helped recruit literally thousands of police officers around the world. Mike Hancock also talks about his real-life career in law enforcement, its challenges and rewards.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Click above to play audio embedded on this page.
Click here to open audio in separate window (PC users)
Adam 12 Mike Hancock audio interview Segment Two
For the second segment, Police Officer Mike Hancock discusses the difference between TV shows of the past such as Adam-12 and present day police procedurals, and what he would say to someone contemplating a career in law enforcement, as well as the complexities, demands and dangers of day-to-police duties. Officer Hancock also talks about his amazing project, re-creating an authentic reproduction of the iconic 1969 Plymouth police cruiser seen in the early seasons of Adam-12.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Click above to play audio embedded on this page.
Click here to open audio in separate window (PC users)
Adam-12 Mike Hancock audio interview Segment Three
For the final segment, host Jim Benson discusses with Officer Hancock talks about other police officers (including LAPD officers) who have created their own replicas of Adam-12 cars, how these collectors keep in touch, network, and assist each other in creating these amazing vehicles. Finally, Mr. Hancock talks about his Adam-12 website and the thrilling content found on the site, including rare on-set behind-the-scenes photos, as well as vintage images depicting past LAPD offices–all of this found at: 1Adam12-1Adam12.Com.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Click above to play audio embedded on this page.
Click here to open audio in separate window (PC users)