The Interrogation

"The Interrogation" is an episode of the 1960s television series Dragnet. It was originally broadcast on NBC on February 3, 1967, and was the fourth episode of the series' first season. The episode was written by Preston Wood and directed by Jack Webb. It is the only episode in which the familiar theme is not heard, but instead only by the drums.

Kent McCord guest starred as LAPD policeman Paul Culver.

Plot synopsis

In this installment, Friday and partner Bill Gannon are working out of Internal Affairs. They are tasked with investigating Officer Paul Culver, a rookie undercover cop who has been accused of committing a robbery at a liquor store in the area in which he has been patrolling.

Though Culver maintains his innocence, he is also clearly troubled by something, which Friday picks up on. Culver admits he's thinking of leaving the force because his girlfriend wants him to leave. At this point, Friday responds with what came to be known on the show as one of "Joe Friday's Jesus Speeches." Friday admits there is a lot about police work that is difficult, including the many dangerous things, the heartbreaking things and pay no better than adequate, but all in all, Friday thinks it's worth the effort, as he says:

"There are over 5,000 men in this city, who know that being a policeman is an endless, glamorless, thankless job that's gotta be done. I know it, too, and I'm damn glad to be one of them."

In the end, Culver is exonerated when the real robber, who turns out to closely resemble Culver, is caught and confesses. The epilogue states that Culver was later decorated by the LAPD after being wounded in the line of duty.