Can You Escape The Police With Doughnuts?

Why is there an American stereotype that cops love doughnuts?

Americans have a long-running joke that police officers love doughnuts. The stereotype goes back to the 1950s and 60s, when 24-hour doughnut shops were among the few places open during late-night police shifts. Cops would stop in for coffee, talk to the owner, and stay warm. Over time the picture stuck, and now American comedy, cartoons, and TV all use cops + doughnuts as instant shorthand.

In this clip, a kid pretends to be a sumo-wrestler suspect being chased by the police. He tries to escape, gets caught, and offers the officer doughnuts. The officer accepts. The joke only works because every American knows the cop-and-doughnut picture by heart. Krispy Kreme and Dunkin' both still run discount programs for officers.