--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I only knew one thing about policemen…" description: "\"I only knew one thing about policemen: they were inhuman beasts. The problem was how to turn them into likable, sympathetic human beings. The answer wa..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8b7/evan-hunter-34839_answer_i-only-knew-one-thing-about-policemen-th_1479666.jpg" --- # I only knew one thing about policemen: they were inhuman… ![“I only knew one thing about policemen: they were inhuman beasts. The problem was how to turn them into likable, sympathetic human beings. The answer was simple. Give them head colds. And first names. And keep their dialogue homey and conversational.” quote by Evan Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8b7/evan-hunter-34839_answer_i-only-knew-one-thing-about-policemen-th_1479666.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8b7/evan-hunter-34839_answer_i-only-knew-one-thing-about-policemen-th_1479666.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8b7/evan-hunter-34839_answer_i-only-knew-one-thing-about-policemen-th_1479666.jpg) > “I only knew one thing about policemen: they were inhuman beasts. The problem was how to turn them into likable, sympathetic human beings. The answer was simple. Give them head colds. And first names. And keep their dialogue homey and conversational.” [Evan Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/evan-hunter/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Policemen are portrayed as monstrous; humanizing them requires relatable traits and casual dialogue. **In simple terms:** Make police seem human by giving them ordinary details. Key Takeaway Add everyday details to soften harsh images. Themes humanization stereotype character Mood thoughtful critical Type analytical reflective When to use this quote - writing police characters - film scripts - novel dialogue - character workshops Key Concepts psychology media representation empathy Questions to Reflect On - How can we balance realism and relatability in authority figures? - What risks arise from trivializing serious traits? A Different Perspective Simplifying complex personalities may overlook systemic issues. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Human](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human/) [Police](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/police/) [Policemen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/policemen/) ## Related quotes > [As far as Japan is concerned, I want to help all of our allies, but we are losing billions and billions of dollars. We…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donald-trump/as-far-as-japan-is-concerned-i-want-to-help-all-of-our-allies-but-we/) [Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donald-trump/) > [It's easy to whip up resentment against anything that smacks with authority. Nobody ever organizes over pan handlers. 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We are tired of seeing our people locked up in jails over and over again. And…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-lewis/we-are-tired-of-being-beaten-by-policemen-we-are-tired-of-seeing-our/) [John Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-lewis/) ## More by Evan Hunter > [“They'd taught him how to milk cows,and now they expected him to tame lions.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/evan-hunter/they-d-taught-him-how-to-milk-cows-and-now-they-expected-him-to-tame/) [Evan Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/evan-hunter/) > [“Do you condemn the kids for not having been blessed with I.Q.s of 120? Can you condemn the kids? Can you condemn anyone? Can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/evan-hunter/do-you-condemn-the-kids-for-not-having-been-blessed-with-i-q-s-of-120/) [Evan Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/evan-hunter/) > [My first wife kept calling me Sal, and I finally said to her, 'Why do you think I changed my name, honey? 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