Ron Harris (detective)

Ron Harris (Ronald Nathan Harris) was a fictional police detective from the television show Barney Miller. He was played by actor Ron Glass.

In addition to his police work, Harris was also a writer. He published a book called "Blood on the Badge" about the experiences of a New York police officer. He was successfully sued, however, by a lawyer, Arnold Ripner, who felt he specifcially had been depicted in the work, and in what he believed was a demeaning way. The lawsuit was especially damaging to Harris, as he had long since cultivated an expensive lifestyle, one which included fine clothes, an apartment in Manhattan with hardwood floors,and works of art.

At the beginning of the series, he seemed to enjoy his job as a police officer and life in general. In later years, though, it was clear that Harris, ever more glib and cynical (though also much more dapper), was losing interest in the police force. When the detectives were required to wear uniforms, as was the case once a year, it was revealed that Harris didn't even have his any more and was forced to buy one before the end of business that day.

Harris's relationship with his co-workers also changed. In later seasons, Harris considered himself to be intellectual and well-read, which made it difficult to constantly be in the company of "über"-intellectual Det. Arthur Dietrich. Perhaps as a reaction to this, Harris occasionally became more condescending toward his superior, Capt. Barney Miller, though he still discussed his personal problems and, in the final episode, revealed his respect for Barney and the others (impressed by Wojo's own heartfelt speech, he says, "God, he is so much improved.")

In the final episode, when the precinct was disbanded, Harris decided to leave the force and become a full-time writer.