Gotham City Police Department
Encyclopedia
The Gotham City Police Department (GCPD) is a fiction
al police department
servicing Gotham City
, as depicted in comic books published by DC Comics
, in particular those tied into the Batman
books.
, the superhero long-established in Gotham, the GCPD has long been steeped in corruption
, with numerous officers both high-and-low ranking involved in bribery and even more serious offenses such as drug-trafficking and murder.
The strongest blow against police corruption
came when an increasing amount of conspiracy
charges against Commissioner Gillian B. Loeb
forced him to resign his position, replaced by Peter Grogan. The Falcone crime family, which had had a stranglehold on Gotham's underground for generations, finally crumbled when a series of killings shook the structure of the mafia
organization
. After the death of Carmine Falcone
, the mob lashed out in sloppy, retaliatory crimes, which, in combination with rising gang violence, severely crippled organized crime
in Gotham City. Simultaneously, the ebbing presence of corrupt police officers allowed James Gordon
to become the new commissioner, a man determined to eradicate crime wherever it existed.
The GCPD has had a long love-hate relationship
with the city's vigilante
known as Batman
. Commissioner Gordon went along with him because Batman got the job done. His successor, Commissioner Michael Akins
ordered the arrest of Batman and had the Bat-signal
removed from the roof of Gotham Central
. Corruption and rot within the police department also rose during Akins' tenure as Commissioner.
. Harvey came back on disciplinary probation after helping expose a criminal drug ring. Relation with Batman, including the Bat-Signal, have been established once more. Other characters from Gotham Central
have appeared in the recent Tales of the Unexpected
miniseries, featuring Crispus Allen
as the Spectre. Thus far, Detective Driver has appeared in a speaking role. It is unknown what has happened to Commissioner Akins, but it is implied that, following revelations of massive corruption within the department, there has been a drastic cleaning-of-house within the department.
Kate Kane referred to Akins as police commissioner in the weekly 52
series, which reveals the events of the missing year. A later issue, however, showed a brief snapshot of Commissioner Gordon's welcome back party. The circumstances of Akins's departure and Gordon's reinstatement have yet to be explained. Maggie Sawyer
is still the commander of the MCU department, and has ended her relationship with former lover Toby Raines.
Major Crimes Unit:
. The Gotham City FBI drive black vehicles with red emergency lights.
has actor Lyle Talbot
in the role of Commissioner Gordon in each one. No other members of the force are shown. However, his appearance of Gordon having a feather-duster mustache was later adapted to the comics. Interestingly enough, he portrayed Lex Luthor
in the Kirk Alyn
serial Superman
.
featured Neil Hamilton as Gordon and Stafford Repp
as Chief O'Hara. Both are depicted as being dependent on Batman and Robin to help solve cases. Gordon even keeps a link to the Batcave
called "the Batphone" on his desk. In the early episodes it's implied that they only call them in for the so-called "arch-criminals" as the police can handle the more mundane (murder
, burglary
, arson
, etc.). But as the show progressed they became even more dependent on them to solve problems. This is most greatly shown in one episode, when Batman appears to be missing, Gordon laments that the police will have to solve a case "ourselves."
/Joel Schumacher
series seemed to give little depiction on the GCPD at all. In Batman
, Gordon is portrayed by Pat Hingle
, while the usually corrupt Harvey Bullock is replaced with William Hootkins
' Lt. Max Eckhart (who is killed by Jack Napier
prior to his accidental transformation). Hingle also appeared in Batman Returns
, Batman Forever
, and Batman & Robin.
, the GCPD characters are given more attention such as in "P.O.V", where the major characters of the force in the series participate in a detailed debriefing of an incident. One of the most important contributions from the animated series to the Batman universe is the introduction of Renee Montoya
(first as a uniformed officer, then a detective), which would later become a first-grade character in the GCPD comic books. In the printed DC Universe
, her presence was so solidly incorporated that she later retired from the Department to assume the identity of the Question
.
, the GCPD plays a pivotal role throughout the course of the film, as one of the main antagonizing forces against Batman. Although James "Jim" Gordon (played by Gary Oldman
), then lieutenant, is given a greater role than in previous adaptations, other members of the GCPD are also present, both original and classic ones. Mark Boone Junior
plays Detective Flass, a corrupt officer who deals with the local mafia
; Colin McFarlane
appears as the staunchly vigilante-opposed Commissioner Loeb. While Gordon's appearance resembles how he was portrayed in Batman: Year One
and The Long Halloween
, Flass and Loeb respectively resemble Harvey Bullock and Michael Akins compared to their comic book counterparts. Furthermore, while Flass is portrayed as being corrupt, a fact consistent with the comics, Loeb, while clearly displeased with the arrival of Batman, does not seem to possess any corrupt tendencies evident in the source material.
Considering that the film captures the early appearances of the Batman, there is much fear and skepticism among the ranks of the PD that the Batman exists and that he is human. Gordon, who had met Batman before he had adopted the Batman motif, not only realizes he is human, but recognizes the necessity of his action. Gordon continues to work with him through his early weeks in operation. Batman, who trusts Gordon, a good cop he met during his childhood, includes him in his plan to save Gotham from the League of Shadows' fear toxin attack on the Narrows.
, the GCPD plays an even greater role than they did in Batman Begins after the promotion of Lieutenant James Gordon to the post of Captain of the Major Crimes Unit, a newly formed division of the GCPD. Featured are three detectives, Gerard Stephens (played by Keith Szarabajka
), Michael Wuertz (played by Ron Dean
) and Anna Ramirez (played by Monique Curnen), among others. Based on commentary material included in Batman: Gotham Knight, it is possible Ramirez was loosely inspired by Renee Montoya.
Relations between the Justice Department of Gotham and the Police Department remains tense throughout most the film, and corruption in the Police Department, even within Gordon's unit, is a key source of conflict in The Dark Knight. At the rooftop scene above the Major Crimes Unit, it is stipulated that Dent suspected Ramirez and Wuertz are corrupt (based on his investigations while working in Internal Affairs, immediately before his election to District Attorney). According to the viral marketing campaign for the film, Harvey Dent
had spearheaded an initiative through his office to rid the police department of corruption. In response to Dent's "attack" on the police department (referenced in the "Gotham Tonight" extras found on the two-disc special edition of The Dark Knight) and the actions of The League of Shadows from the first film, Commissioner Loeb set up the Major Crimes Unit within Gotham PD to counter possible terrorist attacks as well as rid the city of its organized crime. James Gordon was put in charge of the unit.
At least in the Major Crimes Unit (considering it is Gordon's own unit), acceptance of the Batman, though reluctant, is growing. At the beginning of the film, Ramirez clears the bank vaults of its officers so Gordan and Batman can have a private investigation. While the official position of the PD is to capture the vigilante known as the Batman, Ramirez jokingly asks Wuertz, who is part of the official investigation, about progress on the case, amidst a background of Elvis, Abe Lincoln, and Bigfoot photos posted on the wall of suspects for Batman. Furthermore, members of the MCU are present when the Batman interrogates the Joker later in the film.
When Commissioner Loeb is killed by the Joker. Gordon fakes his own death to get the Joker to let down his guard (although the effectiveness of the strategy remains debatable). The Joker plans to kill Harvey Dent, but Gordon intercepts him. Dent, relieved that his life has been spared, expresses his appreciation for the GCPD. Gordon plan to capture the Joker appears to be successful, leading to Gordon's promotion to commissioner by Mayor Garcia (who was recently elected on a campaign of change, similar to Dent's). During the Batman's interrogation of the Joker, the location of Rachel Dawes and Harvey Dent, who had been kidnapped immediately after the Joker's attempt on Dent's life had been spared, is revealed. While the Batman successfully saves Dent's life, Gordon and MCU fails to save Rachel Dawes, leading to Dent's immediately polarized distrust and vehement anger toward the GCPD, which reignites and escalates tensions between Dent and the PD. Meanwhile, Stephen's short temper had led to his starting a fight with the Joker in the holding cell; the Joker subdues Stephens and uses him as a hostage to escape from prison (although Stephens survives the ordeal and continues to serve as a trusted member of Gordon's squad to the end of the film).
Toward the end of the film, Wuertz and Ramirez help the Joker kidnap Rachel Dawes
and Harvey Dent. Wuertz shows no remorse, but Ramirez is devastated by the knowledge that her actions led to the death of Dawes. It is revealed that she had taken bribe money to pay for her mother's hospital fees (as foreshadowed at the beginning of the film when she responds to Gordon's question about her mother's health with "Checked her back in the hospital). Dent, as "Two-Face", confronts both officers and determines their fate with a coin flip at gunpoint. Wuertz was shot when his coin flip landed on the scarred side; on the other hand, Ramirez's life was spared because her coin flip ended on the un-scarred side. Instead, Dent knocked her unconscious with his gun. It remains to be seen whether Gordon or the GCPD has learned about her involvement with the Falcone crime family (led by Sal Maroni).
At the end of the film (after Batman has defeated the Joker), Dent holds Gordon's family at gunpoint and determines to determine their individual fates with the flip of his coin. To save Gordon's son, Batman charges at Dent and both end up falling out of the building (Dent subsequently dies because of the intense pain resulting from half of his body being burnt and his refusal to take pain medications). Gordon heads down to check on Batman; Batman, while still wounded from the bullet and the fall, convinces him to place the blame for the deaths of Dent's victims on Batman so that all the good Harvey did continues to stand. At the conclusion of the film, the GCPD begins its manhunt for Batman.
, which bridges the gap between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight; Crossfire, In Darkness Dwells, and Deadshot.
Gordon was voiced by Jim Meskimen
, Ramirez was voiced by Ana Ortiz
, and Allen was voiced by Gary Dourdan
.
, the focus of the GCPD in the first two seasons is on Detectives Ellen Yin and (prior to his Clayface
transformation) Ethan Bennett. The corruption on the force is attributed to Chief Angel Rojas, who appeared often in those seasons. However, in the Season 2 finale, Jim Gordon
, recently appointed Commissioner, calls off the manhunt and forms an alliance with Batman to help keep Gotham safe for his daughter, Barbara. Neither Rojas nor Yin has been seen since then, though one episode that take places in the future implies that sometime between now and then, Yin will replace Gordon as Commissioner and Bennet becomes Chief of Police.
Fiction
Fiction is the form of any narrative or informative work that deals, in part or in whole, with information or events that are not factual, but rather, imaginary—that is, invented by the author. Although fiction describes a major branch of literary work, it may also refer to theatrical,...
al police department
Police
The police is a personification of the state designated to put in practice the enforced law, protect property and reduce civil disorder in civilian matters. Their powers include the legitimized use of force...
servicing Gotham City
Gotham City
Gotham City is a fictional U.S. city appearing in DC Comics, best known as the home of Batman. Batman's place of residence was first identified as Gotham City in Batman #4 . Gotham City is strongly inspired by Trenton, Ontario's history, location, atmosphere, and various architectural styles...
, as depicted in comic books published by DC Comics
DC Comics
DC Comics, Inc. is one of the largest and most successful companies operating in the market for American comic books and related media. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment a company of Warner Bros. Entertainment, which itself is owned by Time Warner...
, in particular those tied into the Batman
Batman
Batman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
books.
History of GCPD
Acting as both ally and opponent of BatmanBatman
Batman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
, the superhero long-established in Gotham, the GCPD has long been steeped in corruption
Political corruption
Political corruption is the use of legislated powers by government officials for illegitimate private gain. Misuse of government power for other purposes, such as repression of political opponents and general police brutality, is not considered political corruption. Neither are illegal acts by...
, with numerous officers both high-and-low ranking involved in bribery and even more serious offenses such as drug-trafficking and murder.
The strongest blow against police corruption
Police corruption
Police corruption is a specific form of police misconduct designed to obtain financial benefits, other personal gain, or career advancement for a police officer or officers in exchange for not pursuing, or selectively pursuing, an investigation or arrest....
came when an increasing amount of conspiracy
Conspiracy (crime)
In the criminal law, a conspiracy is an agreement between two or more persons to break the law at some time in the future, and, in some cases, with at least one overt act in furtherance of that agreement...
charges against Commissioner Gillian B. Loeb
Commissioner Gillian B. Loeb
Gillian B. Loeb is a fictional character in the DC Universe. He first appeared in Batman #404, as part of the Batman: Year One story arc.-History:...
forced him to resign his position, replaced by Peter Grogan. The Falcone crime family, which had had a stranglehold on Gotham's underground for generations, finally crumbled when a series of killings shook the structure of the mafia
Mafia
The Mafia is a criminal syndicate that emerged in the mid-nineteenth century in Sicily, Italy. It is a loose association of criminal groups that share a common organizational structure and code of conduct, and whose common enterprise is protection racketeering...
organization
Organization
An organization is a social group which distributes tasks for a collective goal. The word itself is derived from the Greek word organon, itself derived from the better-known word ergon - as we know `organ` - and it means a compartment for a particular job.There are a variety of legal types of...
. After the death of Carmine Falcone
Carmine Falcone
Carmine "The Roman" Falcone is a fictional character in DC Comics' shared universe, the DC Universe, who made his debut in the four part story Batman: Year One written by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli in 1987.- Publication history :...
, the mob lashed out in sloppy, retaliatory crimes, which, in combination with rising gang violence, severely crippled organized crime
Organized crime
Organized crime or criminal organizations are transnational, national, or local groupings of highly centralized enterprises run by criminals for the purpose of engaging in illegal activity, most commonly for monetary profit. Some criminal organizations, such as terrorist organizations, are...
in Gotham City. Simultaneously, the ebbing presence of corrupt police officers allowed James Gordon
James Gordon (comics)
James Worthington Gordon, Sr. is a fictional character, an ally of Batman that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane...
to become the new commissioner, a man determined to eradicate crime wherever it existed.
The GCPD has had a long love-hate relationship
Love-hate relationship
A love–hate relationship is an interpersonal relationship involving simultaneous or alternating emotions of love and hate. This relationship does not have to be of a romantic nature, and may be instead of a sibling one...
with the city's vigilante
Vigilante
A vigilante is a private individual who legally or illegally punishes an alleged lawbreaker, or participates in a group which metes out extralegal punishment to an alleged lawbreaker....
known as Batman
Batman
Batman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
. Commissioner Gordon went along with him because Batman got the job done. His successor, Commissioner Michael Akins
Michael Akins
Michael Akins is a fictional character in DC Comics' Batman comics series. He is a man of African American descent who was chosen to succeed long-time Gotham City Police Commissioner James Gordon, who retired shortly after the end of the "No Man's Land" story arc.-Fictional character...
ordered the arrest of Batman and had the Bat-signal
Bat-Signal
The Bat-Signal is a distress signal device appearing in the various interpretations of the Batman mythos. It is a specially modified Klieg searchlight with a stylized symbol of a bat attached to the light so that it projects a large Bat emblem on the sky or buildings of Gotham City...
removed from the roof of Gotham Central
Gotham Central
Gotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
. Corruption and rot within the police department also rose during Akins' tenure as Commissioner.
Current status of GCPD
As of DC's One Year Later, James Gordon has been reinstated as Commissioner, along with Harvey BullockHarvey Bullock (comics)
Harvey Bullock is a fictional character from DC Comics' Batman titles.-Fictional character biography:Prior to the 1984-85 DC maxi-series Crisis on Infinite Earths, Bullock is a crooked police detective under instructions from Gotham City's Mayor Hamilton Hill to sabotage Commissioner Gordon's career...
. Harvey came back on disciplinary probation after helping expose a criminal drug ring. Relation with Batman, including the Bat-Signal, have been established once more. Other characters from Gotham Central
Gotham Central
Gotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
have appeared in the recent Tales of the Unexpected
Tales of the Unexpected (comics)
Tales of the Unexpected was a science fiction comic book published by DC Comics from 1956 to 1968 for 104 issues. It was later renamed The Unexpected although the numbering continued and it ended at issue 222, in 1982...
miniseries, featuring Crispus Allen
Crispus Allen
Crispus Allen is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe. Greg Rucka and Shawn Martinbrough created the character in Detective Comics #742 . Allen later went on to be one of the main characters in Gotham Central...
as the Spectre. Thus far, Detective Driver has appeared in a speaking role. It is unknown what has happened to Commissioner Akins, but it is implied that, following revelations of massive corruption within the department, there has been a drastic cleaning-of-house within the department.
Kate Kane referred to Akins as police commissioner in the weekly 52
52 (comics)
52 was a weekly American comic book limited series published by DC Comics that debuted on May 10, 2006, one week after the conclusion of the seven-issue Infinite Crisis. The series was written by Geoff Johns, Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka, and Mark Waid with layouts by Keith Giffen...
series, which reveals the events of the missing year. A later issue, however, showed a brief snapshot of Commissioner Gordon's welcome back party. The circumstances of Akins's departure and Gordon's reinstatement have yet to be explained. Maggie Sawyer
Maggie Sawyer
Maggie Sawyer is a fictional character that appears in stories published by DC Comics, and has been a supporting character in both Superman and Batman comic books.-Fictional character biography:...
is still the commander of the MCU department, and has ended her relationship with former lover Toby Raines.
Divisions of GCPD
- Homicide Division
- The division that handles murderMurderMurder is the unlawful killing, with malice aforethought, of another human being, and generally this state of mind distinguishes murder from other forms of unlawful homicide...
s and some of the more serious non-metahumanMetahumanMetahuman is a term to describe superhumans in DC Comics' shared universe, the DC Universe. It is roughly synonymous with both mutant and mutate and posthuman in the Wildstorm and Ultimate Marvel Universes. Use of the term in reference to superheroes was coined in 1986 by author George R. R...
crimes in Gotham. This is the division Gordon was a part of before becoming commissioner. Former private investigator Jason Bard is now working on homicide cases for this division.
- Major Crimes Unit
- Led by Capt. Maggie SawyerMaggie SawyerMaggie Sawyer is a fictional character that appears in stories published by DC Comics, and has been a supporting character in both Superman and Batman comic books.-Fictional character biography:...
, who previously served in MetropolisMetropolis (comics)Metropolis is a fictional city that appears in comic books published by DC Comics, and is the home of Superman. Metropolis first appeared by name in Action Comics #16 ....
in a similar position with that city's police, the MCU deals with the most serious crimes, often involving supervillains or politically sensitive cases. This division is the focus of the comic bookComic bookA comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
seriesBook seriesA book series is a sequence of books having certain characteristics in common that are formally identified together as a group. Book series can be organized in different ways, such as written by the same author, or marketed as a group by their publisher....
Gotham CentralGotham CentralGotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
.
- Quick Response Team
- Led by Lt. Gerard "Jerry" Hennelly, the QRT is the GCPD's SWATSWATA SWAT team is an elite tactical unit in various national law enforcement departments. They are trained to perform high-risk operations that fall outside of the abilities of regular officers...
unit.
Current roster
- James GordonJames Gordon (comics)James Worthington Gordon, Sr. is a fictional character, an ally of Batman that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane...
- Police Commissioner
- Gerard "Jerry" Hennelly - Lieutenant and head of the Quick Response Team
- Mackenzie "Hardback" Bock - Chief of Police and former head of OCCB (Organized Crime Control Bureau)
- Detective Nicholas "St. Nick" Gage- Gotham PD's newest recruit who has just transferred from Coast CityCoast CityCoast City is a fictional city created by John Broome and Gil Kane that appears in stories published by DC Comics. It is depicted most often as the home of the Silver Age version of the superhero Green Lantern, Hal Jordan.-Fictional history:...
Police Department and a supporting character of Batgirl VI
- Nora FieldsGotham CentralGotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
- Supervisor, Coroner's Office. Widow of Charlie Fields.
- Donald PeakGotham CentralGotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
- Officer, former partner of Andy Kelly.
- Rebecca MulcaheyGotham CentralGotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
- Corrupt officer, lover of Jim Corrigan.
- StacyGotham CentralGotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
- Administrative Secretary to Commissioner Gordon, civilian employee.
- Officer XueRed Robin (comic book)Red Robin is an American comic book ongoing series, written by Chris Yost with art by Ramon Bachs, featuring former Robin Tim Drake under the identity of Red Robin. The debut of the series follows the events of Batman R.I.P., Final Crisis, and Battle for the Cowl in which the original Batman, Bruce...
- Officer.
- Lieutenant BilbaoBatman and Robin (comic book)Batman and Robin is an American comic book ongoing series, created by Grant Morrison and featuring Batman and Robin. The debut of the series followed the events of "Batman R.I.P.", Final Crisis, and "Battle for the Cowl" in which the original Batman, Bruce Wayne, apparently died at the hands of DC...
- Lieutenant.
Major Crimes Unit:
- Margaret "Maggie" SawyerMaggie SawyerMaggie Sawyer is a fictional character that appears in stories published by DC Comics, and has been a supporting character in both Superman and Batman comic books.-Fictional character biography:...
- Captain and head of Major Crimes Unit, commander of the first (day) shift.
- David CornwellGotham CentralGotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
- Lieutenant, Major Crimes Unit commander of the second (night) shift, successor of deceased Lt. Probson.
- Josh AzevedaGotham CentralGotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
- Detective, Major Crimes Unit. Partnered with Trey Hartley.
- Joely "Joe" BartlettGotham CentralGotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
- Detective, Major Crimes Unit. Partnered with Vincent Del Arrazzio.
- Harvey BullockHarvey Bullock (comics)Harvey Bullock is a fictional character from DC Comics' Batman titles.-Fictional character biography:Prior to the 1984-85 DC maxi-series Crisis on Infinite Earths, Bullock is a crooked police detective under instructions from Gotham City's Mayor Hamilton Hill to sabotage Commissioner Gordon's career...
- Detective, Major Crimes Unit. Restored to duty under severe scrutiny.
- Thomas "Tommy" BurkeGotham CentralGotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
- Detective, Major Crimes Unit. Partnered with Dagmar Procjnow.
- Romy ChandlerGotham CentralGotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
- Detective, Major Crimes Unit. Partnered with Takahata.
- Eric CohenGotham CentralGotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
- Detective, Major Crimes Unit. Partnered with Andi Kasinsky.
- Nelson CroweGotham CentralGotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
- Detective, Major Crimes Unit. Partnered with Jackson Davies.
- Jackson "Sarge" DaviesGotham CentralGotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
- Detective Sergeant, Major Crimes Unit. Partnered with Nelson Crowe.
- Vincent Del ArrazzioGotham CentralGotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
- Detective Sergeant, Major Crimes Unit. Partnered with Joely Bartlett. Associate of the HuntressHuntress (Helena Bertinelli)Huntress is a fictional character in the DC Universe. Based upon the Earth-Two character Helena Wayne, she is one of several DC characters to bear the Huntress name...
.
- Marcus DriverGotham CentralGotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
- Detective, Major Crimes Unit. Partnered with Josephine MacDonald.
- Trey HartleyGotham CentralGotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
- Detective, Major Crimes Unit. Partnered with Josh Azeveda.
- Andi KasinskyGotham CentralGotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
- Detective, Major Crimes Unit. Partnered with Eric Cohen.
- Josephine "Josie Mac" MacDonaldGotham CentralGotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
- Detective, Major Crimes Unit. Partnered with Marcus Driver. Possesses the psychic ability to find lost people and objects.
- Dagmar "Dag" ProcjnowGotham CentralGotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
- Detective, Major Crimes Unit. Partnered with Thomas Burke.
- Detective TakahataGotham CentralGotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
- Detective, Major Crimes Unit. Partnered with Romy Chandler.
- Roman Cavallo - Corrupt detective. Partnered with Marcus Wise.
- Marcus Wise - Corrupt detective.
Former members
Note: The following are either deceased or have been dismissed from the Gotham City Police Department.- Michael AkinsMichael AkinsMichael Akins is a fictional character in DC Comics' Batman comics series. He is a man of African American descent who was chosen to succeed long-time Gotham City Police Commissioner James Gordon, who retired shortly after the end of the "No Man's Land" story arc.-Fictional character...
- Succeeded Gordon as commissioner, left GCPD during the one-year gapOne Year Later"One Year Later" was a 2006 storyline event running through the DC Universe. As the title suggests, it involves a narrative jump exactly one year into the future of the DC Comics Universe following the events of the Infinite Crisis event, to explore major changes within the continuities of the many...
under unknown circumstances.
- Crispus AllenCrispus AllenCrispus Allen is a fictional character in the DC Comics universe. Greg Rucka and Shawn Martinbrough created the character in Detective Comics #742 . Allen later went on to be one of the main characters in Gotham Central...
- Detective, Major Crimes Unit. Partnered with Renee Montoya. Killed by Jim Corrigan, now the SpectreSpectre (comics)The Spectre is a fictional character and superhero who has appeared in numerous comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in a next issue ad in More Fun Comics #51 and received his first story the following month, #52...
.
- Jim CorriganJim CorriganJim Corrigan is the name of three fictional characters that have appeared in numerous comic books published by DC Comics. The first Corrigan initially appeared in More Fun Comics #52 , a deceased cop acting as host to the cosmic entity the Spectre, and was created by Jerry Siegel and Bernard...
- Corrupt CSI, killed Crispus Allen. Killed by Allen's son.
- Roger DeCarloGotham CentralGotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
- Corrupt officer. Killed by Poison Ivy after accidentally murdering one of her orphans and attempting to cover it up.
- Max Eckhart - Corrupt detective featured in 1989's BatmanBatman (1989 film)Batman is a 1989 superhero film based on the DC Comics character of the same name, directed by Tim Burton. The film stars Michael Keaton in the title role, as well as Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl and Jack Palance...
, as a stand-in for Bullock. Killed by Jack Napier shortly before his transformation into the Joker.
- Sarah Essen GordonSarah Essen GordonSarah Essen Gordon is a fictional character in the DC Universe, created by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli as a supporting character in the Batman mythos.-Fictional character biography:...
- Major Crimes Unit commander, wife of Commissioner Gordon. Killed by the JokerJoker (comics)The Joker is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics. He is the archenemy of Batman, having been directly responsible for numerous tragedies in Batman's life, including the paralysis of Barbara Gordon and the death of Jason Todd, the second Robin...
during No Man's Land.
- Charlie FieldsGotham CentralGotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
- Detective, Major Crimes Unit. Partnered with Marcus Driver. Killed by Mr. FreezeMr. FreezeMr. Freeze, real name Dr. Victor Fries , is a DC Comics supervillain, an enemy of Batman. Created by Bob Kane, he first appeared in Batman #121 ....
.
- Arnold Flass - Gordon's corrupt partner, fired. Killed by the HangmanHangman (DC Comics)The Hangman is a fictional character, a supervillain in the DC Universe and an early enemy of Batman featured in Batman: Dark Victory. The Hangman's identity was Sofia Falcone Gigante...
.
- Hugh Foley - Opposed Jim Gordon, killed by Billy Pettit during No Man's Land.
- Jack Grogan - Corrupt commissioner after Loeb and before Gordon, dismissed.
- Andy Howe - Briefly served as police commissioner after Mayor Krol fired Gordon.
- Andrew "Andy" KellyGotham CentralGotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
- Officer, partnered with Don Peak. Transformed into a monster by Doctor Alchemy and killed in self-defense by Peak.
- David King - Police Captain, former ally of Gordon, killed during Year Three.
- Stan Kitch - Former lieutenant, now a defense attorney.
- Gillian B. Loeb - Corrupt commissioner in Year One, dismissed and later murdered by the Hangman. In Christopher NolanChristopher NolanChristopher Jonathan James Nolan is a British-American film director, screenwriter and producer.He received serious notice after his second feature Memento , which he wrote and directed based on a story idea by his brother, Jonathan Nolan. Jonathan went to co-write later scripts with him,...
's The Dark KnightThe Dark Knight (film)The Dark Knight is a 2008 superhero film directed, produced and co-written by Christopher Nolan. Based on the DC Comics character Batman, the film is part of Nolan's Batman film series and a sequel to 2005's Batman Begins...
, Loeb was a legitimate cop who was murdered by the JokerJoker (comics)The Joker is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics. He is the archenemy of Batman, having been directly responsible for numerous tragedies in Batman's life, including the paralysis of Barbara Gordon and the death of Jason Todd, the second Robin...
when poison was put into his drink.
- Kelvin MaoBallistic (DC Comics)Ballistic is a fictional superhero published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Batman Annual #17 , and was created by Doug Moench and Michael Manley.-Publication history:...
- officer, Tactical Unit. Became the superhero known as Ballistic, murdered by Superboy-PrimeSuperboy-PrimeSuperboy-Prime, also known as Superman-Prime, or simply Prime, is a DC Comics superhero turned supervillain, and one of several alternate Supermen. The character first appeared in DC Comics Presents #87 , and was created by Elliot S...
.
- Stan MerkelOfficer MerkelWatch Commander Stan Merkel is a fictional character in DC Comics' shared universe, the DC Universe, who made his debut in Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns, later integrated into the mainstream Batman continuity by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli in their 1987 four-part storyline Batman:...
- Watch Commander/Patrolman killed during Batman: Dark VictoryBatman: Dark VictoryBatman: Dark Victory is a 14-part comic book limited series written by Jeph Loeb and drawn by Tim Sale. The series is a sequel to Batman: The Long Halloween and was originally published from 1999 to 2000 by DC Comics. The series takes place primarily during the third/fourth year of Batman's career...
.
- Renee MontoyaRenee MontoyaRenee Montoya is a fictional comic book character published by DC Comics. The character was initially created for Batman: The Animated Series, and was preemptively introduced into mainstream comics before the airing of her animated debut in 1992....
- Detective, Major Crimes Unit. Partnered with Crispus Allen. Resigned after Allen's death, now the QuestionQuestion (comics)The Question is a fictional character, a superhero in comic books published by DC Comics. The original was created by writer-artist Steve Ditko, and first appeared in Blue Beetle #1...
.
- Timothy MunroeGotham CentralGotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
- Corrupt officer. Killed by Poison Ivy after accidentally murdering one of her orphans and attempting to cover it up.
- Miles O'Hara - Police Chief around the time Gordon had just initially became Commissioner. First victim of the HangmanHangman (DC Comics)The Hangman is a fictional character, a supervillain in the DC Universe and an early enemy of Batman featured in Batman: Dark Victory. The Hangman's identity was Sofia Falcone Gigante...
at the start of Batman: Dark VictoryBatman: Dark VictoryBatman: Dark Victory is a 14-part comic book limited series written by Jeph Loeb and drawn by Tim Sale. The series is a sequel to Batman: The Long Halloween and was originally published from 1999 to 2000 by DC Comics. The series takes place primarily during the third/fourth year of Batman's career...
.
- Nate PattonGotham CentralGotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
- Detective, Major Crimes Unit. Partnered with Romy Chandler. Killed by the Joker.
- Billy Pettit - Head of SWAT team, went insane. During No Man's Land he and several other officers broke away from Jim Gordan who considered his actions too soft. Pettit later killed a fellow police officer for an imagined betrayal. Soon after he was tricked and killed by the Joker.
- Ronald ProbsonGotham CentralGotham Central is a police procedural comic book series that was published by DC Comics. It was written by Ed Brubaker and Greg Rucka, with pencils initially by Michael Lark....
- Major Crimes Unit commander, killed by the Joker.
- Jordan Rich - Corrupt officer, shot Jim Gordon. Killed indirectly by Harvey Bullock in retaliation.
- Jamie Harper - Detective Specialist. Associate of Robin IIITim DrakeTimothy "Tim" Drake is a superhero who appears in comic books published by DC Comics and in related media. The character was created by Marv Wolfman and Pat Broderick. From 1989 to 2009, he was known as Robin in the Batman comics, becoming the third character to take up the identity...
, grandniece of James HarperGuardian (DC Comics)Guardian is a comic book fictional character, a DC Comics superhero, created by Jack Kirby and Joe Simon. He first appeared in Star Spangled Comics #7...
, dating Jason BardJason BardJason Bard is a fictional character in the DC Universe. He first appeared in Detective Comics #392, which was published in 1969. He appeared in several back-up stories throughout the 1970s and 1980s in Detective Comics.-Pre-Crisis:...
. Has since transferred to the Metropolis Science PoliceScience PoliceScience Police is a fictional law enforcement agency in the . They were referred to as "World-Wide Police" in their first appearance in the 30th century. They were featured in a four issue limited series titled Legion Science Police. In the 30th and 31st centuries, the Science Police serves the...
.
Commissioners
- Commissioner Gillian B. Loeb — The corrupt commissioner of police during the first year of Batman’s operation in Gotham. In Christopher NolanChristopher NolanChristopher Jonathan James Nolan is a British-American film director, screenwriter and producer.He received serious notice after his second feature Memento , which he wrote and directed based on a story idea by his brother, Jonathan Nolan. Jonathan went to co-write later scripts with him,...
's The Dark KnightThe Dark Knight (film)The Dark Knight is a 2008 superhero film directed, produced and co-written by Christopher Nolan. Based on the DC Comics character Batman, the film is part of Nolan's Batman film series and a sequel to 2005's Batman Begins...
, Loeb was a legitimate cop who was murdered by the JokerJoker (comics)The Joker is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics. He is the archenemy of Batman, having been directly responsible for numerous tragedies in Batman's life, including the paralysis of Barbara Gordon and the death of Jason Todd, the second Robin...
when poison was put into his drink.
- Commissioner Jack Grogan - he was Commissioner after Loeb and before Gordon. He was mentioned in the last page of Miller's Batman: Year One and has a one panel appearance in the Catwoman Year One Annual and also in Batman: The Man Who Laughs and Batman and the Monster Men #1.
- Commissioner James Gordon — Replaced Grogan and worked with Batman in trying to clean up the Gotham police department. When he retired, he handed the GCPD over to Michael Akins, only to take the job back some years later. The adoptive father of Barbara Gordon, the original Batgirl and later Oracle.
- Commissioner Vane- Former Chief Inspector, only served as commissioner briefly when Gordon was demoted to patrolman in Detective Comics #121. During his brief tenure, he oversaw Dr. Hurt's experiments.
- Commissioner Peter Pauling — Another corrupt commissioner, appointed by Mayor Hamilton Hill. Like Hill, he was working for Rupert Thorne. Pauling issued a shoot-to-kill order for any police officer who spotted Batman, and secretly tried to have Gordon, who was working as a private detective, killed. Pauling eventually died at Thorne's hands and a desperate Mayor Hill re-instated Commissioner Gordon. Pauling may not have existed in the Post-Crisis DC universe.
- Commissioner Sarah Essen Gordon — The wife of James Gordon, appointed Commissioner by Mayor Krol while her husband was demoted. This put a great strain on her relationship with her husband and they split up for a while. Although she had previously been a critic of the Batman, she agreed to Mayor Krol's instructions that she use him. Mayor Krol sacked her after he lost his re-election bid against Marion Grange, replacing her with Andy Howe.
- Commissioner Andy Howe — A lawyer who served briefly as Commissioner during the lame-duck Mayoralty of Armand Krol. (Detective Comics #693, January 1996) When the "Clench" virus was released in Gotham and the city descended into anarchy, most police officers ignored Howe and took orders from James Gordon, at that point a private citizen. Howe lost his job when Marion Grange became Mayor and immediately re-instated James Gordon. (Robin #28, April 1996)
- Commissioner Michael Akins — Took over from James Gordon. After the events of the War Games arc, Akins declared all vigilante actions were now illegal, and issued a shoot-to-kill order for any sight of Batman or his associates. He left the position under unspecified circumstance.
- Commissioner Ellen Yindel - Replaces Gordon in the non-canon Batman: The Dark Knight ReturnsBatman: The Dark Knight ReturnsBatman: The Dark Knight Returns is a four-issue comic book limited series written and drawn by Frank Miller, originally published by DC Comics under the title Batman: The Dark Knight in 1986. When the issues were released in a collected edition later that year, the story title for the first issue...
. In the sequel, Batman: The Dark Knight Strikes AgainBatman: The Dark Knight Strikes AgainBatman: The Dark Knight Strikes Again is a Batman mini-series by Frank Miller with Lynn Varley. It is a sequel to Miller's 1986 miniseries, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns.-Overview:...
, she resigns.
- Commissioner Tolliver - Police commissioner in the alternate 1889 of Gotham by Gaslight. He is mayor when Batman first emerges and defeats Jack the RipperJack the Ripper"Jack the Ripper" is the best-known name given to an unidentified serial killer who was active in the largely impoverished areas in and around the Whitechapel district of London in 1888. The name originated in a letter, written by someone claiming to be the murderer, that was disseminated in the...
. Claiming the victory as his own, Tolliver is then elected mayor in the sequel, Master of the Future.
Gotham City FBI
The Gotham City Federal Bureau of Investigation unit is also featured in the fictitious Gotham CityGotham City
Gotham City is a fictional U.S. city appearing in DC Comics, best known as the home of Batman. Batman's place of residence was first identified as Gotham City in Batman #4 . Gotham City is strongly inspired by Trenton, Ontario's history, location, atmosphere, and various architectural styles...
. The Gotham City FBI drive black vehicles with red emergency lights.
Serials
All other depictions of Batman have portrayed the Gotham City Police Department in some form or another. The 1940s Batman serialsBatman (serial)
Batman is a 15-chapter serial, released in 1943 by Columbia Pictures. The serial starred Lewis Wilson as Batman and Douglas Croft as Robin. J. Carrol Naish played the villain, an original character named Dr. Daka. Rounding out the cast were Shirley Patterson as Linda Page , and William Austin as...
has actor Lyle Talbot
Lyle Talbot
Lyle Talbot , born Lisle Henderson, was an American actor on stage and screen, best known for his long career in movies from 1931 to 1960 and for his frequent appearances on TV in the 1950s and '60s, including his decade-long role as Joe Randolph on television's The Adventures of Ozzie and...
in the role of Commissioner Gordon in each one. No other members of the force are shown. However, his appearance of Gordon having a feather-duster mustache was later adapted to the comics. Interestingly enough, he portrayed Lex Luthor
Lex Luthor
Lex Luthor is a fictional character, a supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics, and the archenemy of Superman, although given his high status as a supervillain, he has also come into conflict with Batman and other superheroes in the DC Universe. Created by Jerry Siegel and...
in the Kirk Alyn
Kirk Alyn
-External links:...
serial Superman
Superman (serial)
Superman is a 15-part black-and-white Columbia film serial based on the comic book character Superman. It stars an uncredited Kirk Alyn and Noel Neill as Lois Lane. It is notable as the first live-action appearance of Superman on film and for the longevity of its distribution...
.
Batman (TV series)
The 1960s campy BatmanBatman (TV series)
Batman is an American television series, based on the DC comic book character of the same name. It stars Adam West as Batman and Burt Ward as Robin — two crime-fighting heroes who defend Gotham City. It aired on the American Broadcasting Company network for three seasons from January 12, 1966 to...
featured Neil Hamilton as Gordon and Stafford Repp
Stafford Repp
Stafford Alois Repp was an American actor best known for his role as Chief O'Hara on the Batman television series.-Early life:...
as Chief O'Hara. Both are depicted as being dependent on Batman and Robin to help solve cases. Gordon even keeps a link to the Batcave
Batcave
The Batcave is the secret headquarters of fictional DC Comics superhero Batman, the alternate identity of playboy Bruce Wayne, consisting of a series of subterranean caves beneath his residence, Wayne Manor.-Publication history:...
called "the Batphone" on his desk. In the early episodes it's implied that they only call them in for the so-called "arch-criminals" as the police can handle the more mundane (murder
Murder
Murder is the unlawful killing, with malice aforethought, of another human being, and generally this state of mind distinguishes murder from other forms of unlawful homicide...
, burglary
Burglary
Burglary is a crime, the essence of which is illicit entry into a building for the purposes of committing an offense. Usually that offense will be theft, but most jurisdictions specify others which fall within the ambit of burglary...
, arson
Arson
Arson is the crime of intentionally or maliciously setting fire to structures or wildland areas. It may be distinguished from other causes such as spontaneous combustion and natural wildfires...
, etc.). But as the show progressed they became even more dependent on them to solve problems. This is most greatly shown in one episode, when Batman appears to be missing, Gordon laments that the police will have to solve a case "ourselves."
1989-1997 live action films
All the Tim BurtonTim Burton
Timothy William "Tim" Burton is an American film director, film producer, writer and artist. He is famous for dark, quirky-themed movies such as Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, Corpse Bride and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet...
/Joel Schumacher
Joel Schumacher
Joel T. Schumacher is an American film director, screenwriter and producer.-Early life:Schumacher was born in New York City, the son of Marian and Francis Schumacher. His mother was a Swedish Jew, and his father was a Baptist from Knoxville, Tennessee, who died when Joel was four years old...
series seemed to give little depiction on the GCPD at all. In Batman
Batman (1989 film)
Batman is a 1989 superhero film based on the DC Comics character of the same name, directed by Tim Burton. The film stars Michael Keaton in the title role, as well as Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl and Jack Palance...
, Gordon is portrayed by Pat Hingle
Pat Hingle
Martin Patterson "Pat" Hingle was an American actor.-Early life:Hingle was born Martin Patterson Hingle in Miami, Florida, the son of Marvin Louise , a schoolteacher and musician, and Clarence Martin Hingle, a building contractor. Hingle enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December 1941, dropping out of...
, while the usually corrupt Harvey Bullock is replaced with William Hootkins
William Hootkins
William Michael Hootkins was an American character actor, most famous for supporting roles in Hollywood blockbusters such as Star Wars, Batman and Raiders of the Lost Ark.-Early life:...
' Lt. Max Eckhart (who is killed by Jack Napier
Joker (comics)
The Joker is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics. He is the archenemy of Batman, having been directly responsible for numerous tragedies in Batman's life, including the paralysis of Barbara Gordon and the death of Jason Todd, the second Robin...
prior to his accidental transformation). Hingle also appeared in Batman Returns
Batman Returns
Batman Returns is a 1992 American superhero film directed by Tim Burton. Based on the DC Comics character Batman, it is the sequel to Burton's Batman , and features Michael Keaton reprising the title role, with Danny DeVito as the Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman.Burton originally did not...
, Batman Forever
Batman Forever
Batman Forever is a 1995 American superhero film directed by Joel Schumacher and produced by Tim Burton. Based on the DC Comics character Batman, the film is a sequel to Batman Returns , with Val Kilmer replacing Michael Keaton as Batman...
, and Batman & Robin.
Batman: The Animated Series
In the acclaimed animated television series, Batman: The Animated SeriesBatman: The Animated Series
Batman: The Animated Series is an American animated series based on the DC Comics character Batman. The series featured an ensemble cast of many voice-actors including Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., Arleen Sorkin, and Loren Lester. The series won four Emmy Awards and was nominated...
, the GCPD characters are given more attention such as in "P.O.V", where the major characters of the force in the series participate in a detailed debriefing of an incident. One of the most important contributions from the animated series to the Batman universe is the introduction of Renee Montoya
Renee Montoya
Renee Montoya is a fictional comic book character published by DC Comics. The character was initially created for Batman: The Animated Series, and was preemptively introduced into mainstream comics before the airing of her animated debut in 1992....
(first as a uniformed officer, then a detective), which would later become a first-grade character in the GCPD comic books. In the printed DC Universe
DC Universe
The DC Universe is the shared universe where most of the comic stories published by DC Comics take place. The fictional characters Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman are well-known superheroes from this universe. Note that in context, "DC Universe" is usually used to refer to the main DC continuity...
, her presence was so solidly incorporated that she later retired from the Department to assume the identity of the Question
Question (comics)
The Question is a fictional character, a superhero in comic books published by DC Comics. The original was created by writer-artist Steve Ditko, and first appeared in Blue Beetle #1...
.
Batman Beyond
In this animated series, James Gordon's daughter, Barbara Gordon (former Batgirl in Batman: The Animated Series) is the new commissioner.Batman Begins
In the reboot of the Batman film franchise, Batman BeginsBatman Begins
Batman Begins is a 2005 American superhero action film based on the fictional DC Comics character Batman, directed by Christopher Nolan. It stars Christian Bale as Batman, along with Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes, Cillian Murphy, Morgan Freeman, Ken Watanabe, Tom Wilkinson,...
, the GCPD plays a pivotal role throughout the course of the film, as one of the main antagonizing forces against Batman. Although James "Jim" Gordon (played by Gary Oldman
Gary Oldman
Gary Leonard Oldman is an English actor, voice actor, filmmaker and musician.A member of the 1980s Brit Pack, Oldman came to prominence via starring roles in British films Meantime , Sid and Nancy and Prick Up Your Ears , with his performance in the latter bringing him his first BAFTA Award...
), then lieutenant, is given a greater role than in previous adaptations, other members of the GCPD are also present, both original and classic ones. Mark Boone Junior
Mark Boone Junior
Mark Boone Junior is an American actor perhaps best known for his roles as Bobby Munson in FX's Sons of Anarchy and in two films by Christopher Nolan, Memento and Batman Begins...
plays Detective Flass, a corrupt officer who deals with the local mafia
Mafia
The Mafia is a criminal syndicate that emerged in the mid-nineteenth century in Sicily, Italy. It is a loose association of criminal groups that share a common organizational structure and code of conduct, and whose common enterprise is protection racketeering...
; Colin McFarlane
Colin McFarlane
Colin McFarlane is an English actor and voice artist. He has appeared in several TV series, including The Fast Show, Judge John Deed, Jonathan Creek, Randall & Hopkirk , Jeeves and Wooster, Black Books and The Thin Blue Line. He is also known for portraying Police Commissioner Gillian B...
appears as the staunchly vigilante-opposed Commissioner Loeb. While Gordon's appearance resembles how he was portrayed in Batman: Year One
Batman: Year One
"Year One", later referred to as "Batman: Year One", is an American comic book story arc written by Frank Miller, illustrated by David Mazzucchelli, colored by Richmond Lewis, and lettered by Todd Klein...
and The Long Halloween
Batman: The Long Halloween
Batman: The Long Halloween is a 13-issue comic book limited series written by Jeph Loeb with art by Tim Sale. It was originally published by DC Comics in 1996 and 1997. It was inspired by the three Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight Halloween Specials by the same creative team...
, Flass and Loeb respectively resemble Harvey Bullock and Michael Akins compared to their comic book counterparts. Furthermore, while Flass is portrayed as being corrupt, a fact consistent with the comics, Loeb, while clearly displeased with the arrival of Batman, does not seem to possess any corrupt tendencies evident in the source material.
Considering that the film captures the early appearances of the Batman, there is much fear and skepticism among the ranks of the PD that the Batman exists and that he is human. Gordon, who had met Batman before he had adopted the Batman motif, not only realizes he is human, but recognizes the necessity of his action. Gordon continues to work with him through his early weeks in operation. Batman, who trusts Gordon, a good cop he met during his childhood, includes him in his plan to save Gotham from the League of Shadows' fear toxin attack on the Narrows.
The Dark Knight
In The Dark KnightThe Dark Knight (film)
The Dark Knight is a 2008 superhero film directed, produced and co-written by Christopher Nolan. Based on the DC Comics character Batman, the film is part of Nolan's Batman film series and a sequel to 2005's Batman Begins...
, the GCPD plays an even greater role than they did in Batman Begins after the promotion of Lieutenant James Gordon to the post of Captain of the Major Crimes Unit, a newly formed division of the GCPD. Featured are three detectives, Gerard Stephens (played by Keith Szarabajka
Keith Szarabajka
Keith Szarabajka is an American actor and voice artist.-Early life:Szarabajka was born in Oak Park, Illinois, the son of Anne, a school teacher, and Edward Szarabajka, a savings and loan officer....
), Michael Wuertz (played by Ron Dean
Ron Dean
Ron Dean is an American film and television actor. He appeared in such movies as Risky Business, The Breakfast Club, Cocktail, The Babe, The Fugitive, The Client, and The Dark Knight. He also appeared on the U.S. TV show Early Edition as Det...
) and Anna Ramirez (played by Monique Curnen), among others. Based on commentary material included in Batman: Gotham Knight, it is possible Ramirez was loosely inspired by Renee Montoya.
Relations between the Justice Department of Gotham and the Police Department remains tense throughout most the film, and corruption in the Police Department, even within Gordon's unit, is a key source of conflict in The Dark Knight. At the rooftop scene above the Major Crimes Unit, it is stipulated that Dent suspected Ramirez and Wuertz are corrupt (based on his investigations while working in Internal Affairs, immediately before his election to District Attorney). According to the viral marketing campaign for the film, Harvey Dent
Two-Face
Two-Face is a fictional comic book supervillain who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. and is an enemy of Batman. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #66 , and was created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger....
had spearheaded an initiative through his office to rid the police department of corruption. In response to Dent's "attack" on the police department (referenced in the "Gotham Tonight" extras found on the two-disc special edition of The Dark Knight) and the actions of The League of Shadows from the first film, Commissioner Loeb set up the Major Crimes Unit within Gotham PD to counter possible terrorist attacks as well as rid the city of its organized crime. James Gordon was put in charge of the unit.
At least in the Major Crimes Unit (considering it is Gordon's own unit), acceptance of the Batman, though reluctant, is growing. At the beginning of the film, Ramirez clears the bank vaults of its officers so Gordan and Batman can have a private investigation. While the official position of the PD is to capture the vigilante known as the Batman, Ramirez jokingly asks Wuertz, who is part of the official investigation, about progress on the case, amidst a background of Elvis, Abe Lincoln, and Bigfoot photos posted on the wall of suspects for Batman. Furthermore, members of the MCU are present when the Batman interrogates the Joker later in the film.
When Commissioner Loeb is killed by the Joker. Gordon fakes his own death to get the Joker to let down his guard (although the effectiveness of the strategy remains debatable). The Joker plans to kill Harvey Dent, but Gordon intercepts him. Dent, relieved that his life has been spared, expresses his appreciation for the GCPD. Gordon plan to capture the Joker appears to be successful, leading to Gordon's promotion to commissioner by Mayor Garcia (who was recently elected on a campaign of change, similar to Dent's). During the Batman's interrogation of the Joker, the location of Rachel Dawes and Harvey Dent, who had been kidnapped immediately after the Joker's attempt on Dent's life had been spared, is revealed. While the Batman successfully saves Dent's life, Gordon and MCU fails to save Rachel Dawes, leading to Dent's immediately polarized distrust and vehement anger toward the GCPD, which reignites and escalates tensions between Dent and the PD. Meanwhile, Stephen's short temper had led to his starting a fight with the Joker in the holding cell; the Joker subdues Stephens and uses him as a hostage to escape from prison (although Stephens survives the ordeal and continues to serve as a trusted member of Gordon's squad to the end of the film).
Toward the end of the film, Wuertz and Ramirez help the Joker kidnap Rachel Dawes
Rachel Dawes
Rachel Dawes is a fictional character who first appeared in Christopher Nolan's 2005 feature film, Batman Begins. She was portrayed in that film by Katie Holmes and as a child in flashback scenes by Emma Lockhart. Katie Holmes also voiced Rachel in the Batman Begins video game. Maggie Gyllenhaal...
and Harvey Dent. Wuertz shows no remorse, but Ramirez is devastated by the knowledge that her actions led to the death of Dawes. It is revealed that she had taken bribe money to pay for her mother's hospital fees (as foreshadowed at the beginning of the film when she responds to Gordon's question about her mother's health with "Checked her back in the hospital). Dent, as "Two-Face", confronts both officers and determines their fate with a coin flip at gunpoint. Wuertz was shot when his coin flip landed on the scarred side; on the other hand, Ramirez's life was spared because her coin flip ended on the un-scarred side. Instead, Dent knocked her unconscious with his gun. It remains to be seen whether Gordon or the GCPD has learned about her involvement with the Falcone crime family (led by Sal Maroni).
At the end of the film (after Batman has defeated the Joker), Dent holds Gordon's family at gunpoint and determines to determine their individual fates with the flip of his coin. To save Gordon's son, Batman charges at Dent and both end up falling out of the building (Dent subsequently dies because of the intense pain resulting from half of his body being burnt and his refusal to take pain medications). Gordon heads down to check on Batman; Batman, while still wounded from the bullet and the fall, convinces him to place the blame for the deaths of Dent's victims on Batman so that all the good Harvey did continues to stand. At the conclusion of the film, the GCPD begins its manhunt for Batman.
Batman: Gotham Knight
Gordon, Ramirez, and Crispus Allen all appear in three of the shorts in Batman: Gotham KnightBatman: Gotham Knight
is a 2008 direct-to-DVD animated superhero anthology film of six animated short films set in-between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. It depicts Batman battling against the mob of Gotham City, as well as other villains...
, which bridges the gap between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight; Crossfire, In Darkness Dwells, and Deadshot.
Gordon was voiced by Jim Meskimen
Jim Meskimen
Jim Ross Meskimen is an American comedian and actor, perhaps best known for his work on the improvisation show Whose Line Is It Anyway? and as the voice of President George W. Bush and other politicians for the internet Jib Jab animated shorts...
, Ramirez was voiced by Ana Ortiz
Ana Ortiz
Ana Ortíz is an American actress and singer. She is a native of Manhattan, but was raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was a regular cast-member on the ABC comedy-drama series Ugly Betty, in which she plays the title character's older sister, Hilda Suarez...
, and Allen was voiced by Gary Dourdan
Gary Dourdan
Gary Robert Dourdan is an American actor. He is best known for portraying Warrick Brown on the television series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.-Early years:...
.
The Batman
On the animated series The BatmanThe Batman (TV series)
The Batman is an American animated television series produced by Warner Bros. Animation based on the DC Comics superhero Batman. It ran from 2004 to 2008, on the Saturday morning television block Kids' WB...
, the focus of the GCPD in the first two seasons is on Detectives Ellen Yin and (prior to his Clayface
Clayface
Clayface is an alias used by several DC Comics fictional characters, most of them possessing claylike bodies and shape-shifting abilities. All of them have been enemies of Batman.-Publication history:...
transformation) Ethan Bennett. The corruption on the force is attributed to Chief Angel Rojas, who appeared often in those seasons. However, in the Season 2 finale, Jim Gordon
James Gordon (comics)
James Worthington Gordon, Sr. is a fictional character, an ally of Batman that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and was created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane...
, recently appointed Commissioner, calls off the manhunt and forms an alliance with Batman to help keep Gotham safe for his daughter, Barbara. Neither Rojas nor Yin has been seen since then, though one episode that take places in the future implies that sometime between now and then, Yin will replace Gordon as Commissioner and Bennet becomes Chief of Police.
Alternate officers of the law
- Batman (1960s TV show)
- Chief O'Hara, played by Stafford ReppStafford ReppStafford Alois Repp was an American actor best known for his role as Chief O'Hara on the Batman television series.-Early life:...
. - Batman (1989 film)
- Lieutenant Max Eckhardt, played by William HootkinsWilliam HootkinsWilliam Michael Hootkins was an American character actor, most famous for supporting roles in Hollywood blockbusters such as Star Wars, Batman and Raiders of the Lost Ark.-Early life:...
. A corrupt cop echoing some of the Pre-CrisisCrisis on Infinite EarthsCrisis on Infinite Earths is a 12-issue American comic book limited series and crossover event, produced by DC Comics in 1985 to simplify its then 50-year-old continuity...
aspects of Harvey Bullock. - Birds of Prey (TV series from 2002–2003)
- Detective Jesse Reese - Was played by Shemar MooreShemar MooreShemar Franklin Moore is an American actor and former male fashion model. His most notable roles are that of Malcolm Winters on The Young and the Restless from 1994 to 2005, Derek Morgan on CBS's Criminal Minds, and as the third permanent host of Soul Train from 1999 to 2003.-Early life:Moore was...
. Is an honest cop in New Gotham who learns of the Birds of Prey and begins to help them. He later enters into a relationship with Huntress. It is later revealed that Reese's birthname was Jesse Hawke, son of crime boss Al Hawke, who became a police officer to atone his family's sins. This version of the GCPD does have a corruption problem (though it is unclear how bad since a few other honest officers have cameos) and appears to no longer have Jim Gordon at its head. - The Batman (TV series from 2004–2008)
- Chief Angel Rojas — Edward James OlmosEdward James OlmosEdward James Olmos is an American actor and director. Among his most memorable roles are William Adama in the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica, Lt...
and Jesse CortiJesse CortiJesse Corti is an American voice actor, perhaps best known as Lefou in the 1991 Disney animated film Beauty and the Beast. He has appeared on several popular TV shows such as 24, Heroes, Desperate Housewives, West Wing, Judging Amy, Law & Order and many more...
provide his voice for this show. For Chief Rojas, The Batman is nothing less than a black eye to his police force. Believing there is no room for vigilante justice in Gotham, Rojas has made capturing the Dark Knight a top priority. - Detective Ellen Yin — Ming-NaMing-NaMing-Na is a Macanese-born American actress. She has been credited with and without her family name, but most credits since the late 1990s have been without it...
provides her voice in this show. Given her name and the events of the episode, "Artifacts", she could be a loose adaptation of Ellen Yindel from Batman: The Dark Knight ReturnsBatman: The Dark Knight ReturnsBatman: The Dark Knight Returns is a four-issue comic book limited series written and drawn by Frank Miller, originally published by DC Comics under the title Batman: The Dark Knight in 1986. When the issues were released in a collected edition later that year, the story title for the first issue...
. - Detective Ethan Bennett — He is a childhood friend of Bruce Wayne's. Due to a chemical created by the Joker, he becomes the first Clayface for this series. Steve HarrisSteve Harris (actor)Steve Harris is an American actor who has appeared in a number of films including; Quarantine, Tyler Perry's Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Bringing Down The House, The Rock, The Mod Squad, and Minority Report. He is most famous for his role as Eugene Young on the legal drama The Practice...
provides his voice. - Detective Cash Tankinson - He is a bumbling detective who was Yin's partner for the episode "JTV" and returned in the episode "Cash for Toys" as Bruce Wayne's personal bodyguard, voiced by Patrick WarburtonPatrick WarburtonPatrick John Warburton is an American actor of television, film, and voice. He is best known for his several TV roles, including the title role of The Tick, David Puddy on Seinfeld, the evil Johnny Johnson on NewsRadio, and anchorman Jeb Denton on Less Than Perfect...
. - The Dark Knight (2008 film)
- Detective Anna Ramirez - Played by Monique Curnen, she is a corrupt cop involved in the scarring of Harvey Dent and the death of Rachel Dawes by the Joker. She also appeared in Batman: Gotham KnightBatman: Gotham Knightis a 2008 direct-to-DVD animated superhero anthology film of six animated short films set in-between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. It depicts Batman battling against the mob of Gotham City, as well as other villains...
, voiced by Ana OrtizAna OrtizAna Ortíz is an American actress and singer. She is a native of Manhattan, but was raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was a regular cast-member on the ABC comedy-drama series Ugly Betty, in which she plays the title character's older sister, Hilda Suarez...
. The commentary on the Batman: Gotham KnightBatman: Gotham Knightis a 2008 direct-to-DVD animated superhero anthology film of six animated short films set in-between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. It depicts Batman battling against the mob of Gotham City, as well as other villains...
DVD, indicates she might be loosely inspired by Renee Montoya. She received a head injury from Dent after he cracked her head with the bottom of his gun, and later implied from Gordon that she didn't survive her trauma, though she might not have regained consciousness yet. - Detective Wuertz - Played by Ron DeanRon DeanRon Dean is an American film and television actor. He appeared in such movies as Risky Business, The Breakfast Club, Cocktail, The Babe, The Fugitive, The Client, and The Dark Knight. He also appeared on the U.S. TV show Early Edition as Det...
, he is a corrupt cop involved in the scarring of Harvey Dent and the death of Rachel Dawes by the Joker. He was later killed by Dent. - Detective Stephens - Played by Keith SzarabajkaKeith SzarabajkaKeith Szarabajka is an American actor and voice artist.-Early life:Szarabajka was born in Oak Park, Illinois, the son of Anne, a school teacher, and Edward Szarabajka, a savings and loan officer....
, he is an honest police detective, if not aversed to police brutality. He aided Gordon when he faked his own death.