Police cartoon characters include Officer Dibble, Detective Eliza Maza, Chief Wiggum, Sergeant Mike Cosgrove, and Officer Judy Hopps. When the worlds of law enforcement and animation collide, a unique breed of heroes is born: the charismatic, crime-fighting cartoon cops.
These animated officers have been stealing our hearts and captivating our imaginations for decades. They serve and protect their communities with wit, courage, and a touch of humor.
From the golden age of television to the latest streaming sensations, these larger-than-life characters represent the spirit of justice while putting their colorful spin on the badge.
Our Favorite Cartoon Characters Who Play A Police Officer
These cartoon cops have captured viewers’ hearts of all ages with their wit, antics, and devotion to justice. So, put on your seatbelts as we take a ride-along through the best police cartoon characters in shows.
14Chief Wiggum from The Simpsons
With his unmistakable nasally voice and bumbling ways, Chief Clancy Wiggum has been a staple in the animated town of Springfield since The Simpsons first aired in 1989.
His love for food only rivals Wiggum’s love for his job, and his dedication to keeping the streets safe is evident in his creative, if not always successful, police work.
Springfield’s finest may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but his endearing personality and heartwarming relationship with his son, Ralph, make him a favorite.
13Officer Dibble from Top Cat
Officer Charlie Dibble is a classic character from the 1960s cartoon Top Cat. As a hardworking yet hapless cop, Dibble is constantly on the tail of Top Cat and his gang of alley cats.
Although the cunning feline often outsmarts him, Dibble’s steadfast dedication to his job and good-natured humor make him a lovable addition to the show. With his bellowing voice and relentless pursuit of justice, Officer Dibble adds an amusing, human element to the antics of Top Cat and his friends.
12Detective Eliza Maza from Gargoyles
Breaking the mold of traditionally animated cop characters, Detective Eliza Maza from the 1990s series Gargoyles is a strong, independent woman who can hold her own against criminals and supernatural creatures.
As a devoted NYPD officer, Maza’s sense of justice and loyalty lead her to forge an unlikely alliance with the ancient, misunderstood gargoyles. Maza’s intelligence, resourcefulness, and courage make her an inspiring role model and an indispensable member of the Gargoyle team.
11Inspector Gadget
Go-go, Gadget arms! Inspector Gadget is the lovable, bionic detective who has been capturing criminals and the hearts of viewers since his debut in 1983. Armed with an arsenal of gadgets and a knack for inadvertently saving the day, Gadget’s endearing clumsiness and unwavering determination make him a truly iconic character.
Whether he’s trying to catch the dastardly Dr. Claw or accidentally foiling his plans, Inspector Gadget never fails to entertain and remind us that sometimes the most unlikely heroes can save the day.
10Officer Judy Hopps from Zootopia
With her unrelenting drive and ambitious nature, Officer Judy Hopps is a shining example of an animated police character who inspires and entertains. As the first rabbit officer of the Zootopia Police Department, Hopps faces discrimination and skepticism from her peers, but her determination and resourcefulness soon win them over.
Alongside her unlikely partner, the sly fox Nick Wilde, Hopps sets out to solve a major case and prove her worth as a police officer. Her story reminds us that no dream is too big, and the only limitations are those we place on ourselves.
9Sergeant Mike Cosgrove from Freakazoid!
Sergeant Mike Cosgrove from the 1990s animated series Freakazoid! is the epitome of cool, calm, and collected. This no-nonsense cop is a friend and ally to the eccentric superhero Freakazoid, often serving as a voice of reason and guidance.
Despite his tough exterior, Cosgrove has a soft spot for the zany hero and a dry sense of humor that adds charm to their dynamic. His unwavering dedication to his job and ability to keep calm under pressure make Sergeant Cosgrove a respected and beloved character in the series.
8Sheriff Bronson Stone from Scooby-Doo!
Sheriff Bronson Stone brings a unique blend of humor and authority to Crystal Cove in Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated series. As the local law enforcement officer, he’s often at odds with the Mystery Gang, who he believes are meddling kids who only complicate his investigations.
However, despite his gruff demeanor, Stone eventually learns to appreciate the gang’s crime-solving prowess. His stubborn nature and exaggerated Southern drawl add a humorous touch to the show and make him a memorable addition to the Scooby-Doo universe.
7Officer Earl Devereaux from Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
As the dedicated and dutiful police officer of Swallow Falls, Officer Earl Devereaux brings a unique brand of justice and humor to the animated film Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and its subsequent TV series.
With his imposing physique, Earl takes his job seriously, but he also has a heart of gold and a fierce love for his family. His penchant for dramatic speeches and tough love makes him an endearing character who reminds us that behind every uniform is someone with their quirks and vulnerabilities.
6Constable Biggles from Danger Mouse
Hailing from the classic British animated series Danger Mouse, Constable Biggles is a bobby on the beat who often finds himself entangled in the world-saving escapades of the titular secret agent mouse. Biggles brings a touch of old-school British charm and humor to the series with his traditional uniform and iconic helmet.
His endearing mix of naivete and loyalty makes him a lovable character that fans of the show can’t help but root for, even when he’s slightly out of his depth.
5Lieutenant Felina Feral from SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron
Lieutenant Felina Feral is a fierce and determined member of the Enforcers, the law enforcement agency in the world of SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron. As the Enforcers’ commander’s niece, Felina always strives to prove her worth as an officer and live up to her family legacy.
Her strong sense of justice and impressive combat skills make her a valuable ally to the vigilante heroes known as the SWAT Kats. Felina’s fearlessness and unwavering dedication to her job make her an empowering and unforgettable character in the animated action series.
4Officer Clawhauser from Zootopia
Officer Benjamin Clawhauser is the delightfully cheerful and enthusiastic cheetah who serves as the receptionist at the Zootopia Police Department. With his passion for pop culture, specifically his adoration for pop star Gazelle, Clawhauser brings energy and humor to every scene.
Despite his appearance as a large predator, Clawhauser’s kind and sensitive nature reminds us that appearances can be deceiving and that everyone has their unique talents to contribute.
3Officer Buckle from Officer Buckle and Gloria
Officer Buckle is the safety-conscious, dedicated police officer from the award-winning children’s book Officer Buckle and Gloria, later adapted into an animated short. Paired with his energetic and mischievous police dog, Gloria, Officer Buckle’s safety presentations become a hit with the local school.
While the duo’s entertaining dynamic is at the heart of the story, Officer Buckle’s genuine concern for the well-being of others truly shines through. His character is a positive role model for children, showing them the importance of safety and community engagement.
2Captain O.G. Readmore from ABC Weekend Specials
Captain O.G. Readmore, an anthropomorphic cat detective, is a beloved ABC Weekend Specials series character. As an advocate for reading and literacy, Captain Readmore encourages children to explore the world of books and use their imaginations.
Combining his love for reading with his detective skills, he solves mysteries and offers valuable life lessons. Captain Readmore’s character entertains and inspires young viewers to develop a lifelong love for reading and learning.
1Deputy Dawg from The Deputy Dawg Show
Deputy Dawg is the fun-loving, Southern-accented cartoon character from the 1960s animated series The Deputy Dawg Show. As the deputy sheriff in a rural community, he faces off against various mischievous animals, including his friends Muskie the Muskrat and Vincent van Gopher.
Despite the antics of his friends, Deputy Dawg’s humorous attempts to maintain law and order in his community provide an entertaining look at the lighter side of law enforcement. His laid-back approach to his job and enduring friendships with the local critters make him a memorable and beloved character in animation.