Whether intentional or otherwise, filmmakers play a massive role in spreading stereotypes; a typical example is the cop and donut relationship. Ask anyone on the street what a cop’s favorite snack is; the most likely answer is the donut. However, the movies and TV shows aside, have you ever seen a cop eating or holding a donut in real life? It’s unclear who introduced this cop and donut stereotype, but Hollywood has played a huge role in promoting it. As bad as stereotypes are, there is some truth regarding the relationship between police officers and donuts. Keep reading to find out how.
Where The Stereotype That Cops Love Donuts Started
Modern-day cops enjoy a wide range of treats during their shifts. You may find them at the dinner eating pies and many other types of food. However, donuts and coffee were the go-to food for many law enforcers during World War II.
At the time, the concept of 24/7 restaurants was non-existent, and most were closed by 10 pm. The same applied to grocery and convenience stores. However, there was one establishment that remained open during the wee hours of the night – the donut shop!
Donut shops closed much later in the night and opened earlier so chefs could begin preparing the snacks for morning customers. Being the only food establishment open at night, many cops would pull up to donut shops and grab a few alongside some coffee to stay energized during their shift.
This became the norm for police officers all the way to the 1960s when some restaurants began opening all night. Even then, cops were used to donut shops being the only option, so it took a while for them to embrace the 24/7 restaurants. Also, most of these 24/7 restaurants, which were very few, only catered to truckers. Police officers were not their target customers.
The Symbiotic Relationship between Cops and Donut Stores
Besides the sugar, calorie, and caffeine boost, the relationship between cops and donuts was symbiotic. By opening their shops at the odd hours of the night, donut stores were the target of thugs who were looking for a quick loot.
The presence of police officers in donut shops scared away thieves. It also made the donut shop attendants and employees feel safe when working all night, making it a win-win scenario. Donut companies such as Dunkin Donuts would go to the extent of offering cops discounts to encourage them to visit their stores frequently.
Most people are unaware that police officers have to write reports of what happens during their shifts. They assume that the work of a police officer is to roam the streets and highways while keeping the residents safe.
Though true, law enforcers also have to write detailed reports, and because they couldn’t do that in their cruisers, the donut shop was a perfect spot. Most preferred documenting their reports as they had their coffee and donut, which saved them a lot of time in the morning when they were concluding their shifts. All they had to do was drop the reports at the station and head back home for some well-deserved rest.
There’s also the social aspect associated with the donut shop. The same way employees who work at a company meet in the breakroom for a chat is precisely what used to happen at donut shops. By stopping at the donut shop, police officers would meet with their colleagues and share their experiences. Like any other profession, the guys in uniform also need to make emotional connections. Plus, it was an excellent way of ending the boredom of spending the entire shift in a police car.
What Scholars Say
According to Paul Mullins, an Anthropology professor at Indiana University and the author of Glazed America: A History of the Doughnut, this stereotype of police officers having an insatiable craving for donuts was created recently.
It started after World War I and became more popular during World War II. Mullins also acknowledged that donuts were an excellent choice for police officers because they were cheap. Therefore, they were an excellent choice for anyone surviving on a government salary.
The Evolution of the Cop-Donut Relationship
With time, the number of late-night restaurants increased significantly. As a result, police officers could eat other things, so donuts stopped being cops’ go-to snack. While coffee is still a favorite, most police officers are keen on their diet nowadays. So, they prefer eating salads, sandwiches, tuna, and chicken breasts instead of pastries.
Studies show the majority of law enforcers prefer to carry packed lunches, dinners, or snacks. This isn’t only cost-effective, but it ensures they eat healthy and can avoid fast food restaurants. Snacks such as energy bars have become a more popular option for cops who want to keep fit.