What is the significance of the number 714, as in Badge 714?
There are multiple explanations for the use of this number. Jack Webb was a big Babe Ruth fan, and Ruth hit 714 home runs in his baseball career. The number is also said to be from Jack’s mother’s birthday (July 14th). However, Laurie (Dragnet advisor and LAPD Sergeant Dan Cooke’s daughter) also writes: Although plausible, these are not quite right. Sgt. Dan Cooke was closely associated with Jack Webb. He originated some of the script concepts and was the technical director for a number of the Dragnet episodes. Badge 714 was Sgt. Cooke’s badge and was retired from the LAPD when Sgt. Cooke arranged for the use of his badge for the series. Sgt. Cooke has since passed away and the badge was donated by Cooke’s widow to the LAPD Police Academy’s Museum. You can see it there now and the plaque next to the badge will validate this information.
