Why “Why” Is Everything in a Cop Drama

In a serialized cop drama, how a crime is solved matters far less than why the cops are doing what they’re doing. Without the “Why,” it’s just cops going through the motions — by-the-numbers and hollow.

The “Why” is the emotion, passion, and interpersonal conflict. Too often writers project a generic idea of “being a cop” instead of being specific about why this particular individual does the job in a unique way.

There are four basic reasons anyone becomes a cop:

1. It’s a job. Solid employment, dependable income. They’re responsible on the job — but they don’t take it home and retire as soon as possible.

2. It’s a career. The badge is a stepping-stone. They’re working toward something else — rank, politics, consulting. The job is a means to a larger end.

3. It’s a vocation. A life mission. No dividing line between work and personal life. Work is their life.

4. It’s a mistake. Wrong fit, wrong reasons, or the reality didn’t match the fantasy. They put in the time, got the job — and now they’re trapped.

Every cop assumes their “Why” is the most valid — which is a goldmine for conflict. Too often in cop shows, everyone is doing the job for the same reason. That’s not life, and it shouldn’t be drama.

Layered onto this is the “Why” of each individual’s Character Type.

Looking down on nine different police officers toiling away long into the night, it might be tempting to assume they’re all working hard for the same internal motivation. But every one of the Nine Character Types® sees the world very differently — and sees the primary role of a cop from a completely unique perspective.

1. Power of Conscience cops believe policing carries the responsibility of making the world a better place. Doing the right thing is crucial. Their struggle: what is the higher duty — law or justice? These two principles are not the same thing. Tim Bayliss (Homicide), Raylan Givens (Justified).

2. Power of Will cops believe policing is a matter of strength and the ability to dominate the situation. Their struggle: does compassion make you stronger or weaker? Andy Sipowicz (NYPD Blue), Vic Mackey (The Shield).

3. Power of Ambition cops believe policing is a matter of winning or losing. Their struggle: short cuts vs. the long patient slog — results or process? Lt. Cedric Daniels (The Wire), Shane Vendrell (The Shield).

4. Power of Love cops believe policing is about caring for others and helping them succeed. Their struggle: when does empathy enable bad behavior? Bobby Simone (NYPD Blue), Marty Hart (True Detective).

5. Power of Idealism cops believe policing is a matter of individual style and personal excellence. Their struggle: when does being a maverick cause more harm than good? Frank Pembleton (Homicide), Jimmy McNulty (The Wire).

6. Power of Reason cops believe policing is a matter of maintaining objectivity and social order. Their struggle: connecting with their own emotions. Dexter Morgan (Dexter), Saga Norén (The Bridge).

7. Power of Truth cops believe policing is about uncovering secret agendas and avoiding hidden pitfalls. Their struggle: is “the truth” fixed or a moving target? Kurt Wallander (Wallander), Rusty Cohle (True Detective).

8. Power of Imagination cops believe policing is a matter of instinct, hunches, and special intuitive insight. Their struggle: how to communicate what others can’t see — without being dismissed as crazy. Mick Belker (Hill Street Blues), Allison DuBois (Medium).

9. Power of Excitement cops believe policing is an adventure and a thrill ride. Their struggle: following orthodox rules when improvising is so much more interesting. Axel Foley (Beverly Hills Cop), Neal Caffrey (White Collar).