Why Cops and Doughnuts Are a Thing
The surprising story behind the sugary stereotype
In pop culture, cops and doughnuts go together like milk and cookies. You can find the pair clearly illustrated in the Simpson’s doughnut loving Chief Wiggum, or referenced in music like in Ice Cube’s Say Hi to the Bad Guy.
But how exactly did this sugary snack end up being associated with the boys in blue?
Late-night option
Cops work odd hours to keep the peace, and back in 1950s America, one of the only things open past midnight were doughnut shops. The stores had to open while it was still dark to prepare for the morning rush. Because of this, the best option for a cop grabbing a bite at 3 AM would’ve been the doughnut store. It definitely went well with a much-needed cup of coffee.
The author of The Donut: History, Recipes, and Lore from Boston to Berlin, Michael Krondl reported:
“When it came to [meals], graveyard cops in the forties and fifties had few choices… They could pack lunch, pray for an all-night diner on their beat, or fill up on doughnuts. Doughnuts usually won out. They were, to most palates, tasty, and they were cheap and convenient.”
