22 Photos Of What It Looked Like To Be A Cop In The 1970s

Daniel Bonfiglio Published 02/07/2025 in wow

Nowadays, police have to worry about important things like deescalation, use of force, and profiling. But back in the day, cops didn't care as much about regulations, or the law. They were more free to lay down rules as they saw fit, deploying liberal usage of fists and firearms. Riding bikes and sporting handlebar 'staches, being a cop used to be cool.

Here are 22 photos of what it looked like to be a cop in the 1970s.

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1. Venice Beach Cop
Talking to girls in the 1970s.
2. NYC Subway
Cops in the 1970s.
3. A New Orleans’ Cop
On the radio.
4. Undercover Cop
With all the gear he needs.
5. Squad Car Rear Seat
Criminal and cop share a laugh, New York.
6. All Geared Up
Featuring a '70s muscle cop car.
7. Australian Cops
Rocking the shorts, 1970s.
8. Swedish Police Woman
Patrolling in the 1970s.
9. Not Suspicious
Do you see anything funny? NYC. Photo by Jill Freedman, late ‘70s.
10. Motorcycle Cop
On his bike in the 1970s.
11. A Police Officer and his Police Dog
Patrolling Manchester airport, 1970s.
12. “Me a Rookie Cop”
On a call in the 1970s.
13. Skateboarder and Cop
Redondo Beach. Mid 1970s.
14. Caught Growing Weed
A very ‘70s booking.
15. Tokyo Police Officer
On a bike in the 1970s.
16. New York Cops
Sharing a smooch, 1970s.
17. Duck, Duck, Goose
NYC cop plays with kids in Harlem.
18. Red Sox Pitcher Luis Tiant
And a police officer outside Fenway Park, 1970s.
19. New South Wales Highway Patrol Officers
Next to their Ford XC Falcon, 1970s.
20. Keeping an Eye Out
At a New York City subway station, circa 1970.
21. Having a Laugh
Man in the trash. NYC. Photo by Jill Freedman, late ‘70s.
22. Mohammad Ali Visits Ireland
Fun photo with the Garda, 1970s.

1. Venice Beach Cop
Talking to girls in the 1970s.
2. NYC Subway
Cops in the 1970s.
3. A New Orleans’ Cop
On the radio.
4. Undercover Cop
With all the gear he needs.
5. Squad Car Rear Seat
Criminal and cop share a laugh, New York.
6. All Geared Up
Featuring a '70s muscle cop car.
7. Australian Cops
Rocking the shorts, 1970s.
8. Swedish Police Woman
Patrolling in the 1970s.
9. Not Suspicious
Do you see anything funny? NYC. Photo by Jill Freedman, late ‘70s.
10. Motorcycle Cop
On his bike in the 1970s.
11. A Police Officer and his Police Dog
Patrolling Manchester airport, 1970s.
12. “Me a Rookie Cop”
On a call in the 1970s.
13. Skateboarder and Cop
Redondo Beach. Mid 1970s.
14. Caught Growing Weed
A very ‘70s booking.
15. Tokyo Police Officer
On a bike in the 1970s.
16. New York Cops
Sharing a smooch, 1970s.
17. Duck, Duck, Goose
NYC cop plays with kids in Harlem.
18. Red Sox Pitcher Luis Tiant
And a police officer outside Fenway Park, 1970s.
19. New South Wales Highway Patrol Officers
Next to their Ford XC Falcon, 1970s.
20. Keeping an Eye Out
At a New York City subway station, circa 1970.
21. Having a Laugh
Man in the trash. NYC. Photo by Jill Freedman, late ‘70s.
22. Mohammad Ali Visits Ireland
Fun photo with the Garda, 1970s.