While on duty, he maintains a professional demeanor, but has lost his temper in a few cases of extreme provocation (such as when his treasured Buick was stolen). Each show opens with 'Roll Call', Esterhaus's morning briefing, which always ends with his catchphrase 'Let's be careful out there.' His speech is filled with complex syntax and numerous synonyms, but his style of delivery is never patronizing and indeed is often enjoyed by the officers. Joyce Davenport (Veronica Hamel, 1981–87)Įsterhaus is the Desk Sergeant, in charge of the uniformed officers, and is rarely seen outside of the station house. In the first season, Frank is revealed to be a recovering alcoholic in Season 4 he almost suffers a relapse after being stripped of his command on the orders of a vindictive Mayor Cleveland and actually does relapse near the end of Season 5, but catches himself in time and rejoins Alcoholics Anonymous in Season 5's last episode. During such conversations, he sometimes refers to himself in the third person as 'a certain Italian police captain.' While on duty, Frank almost never appears in anything but a three-piece suit one episode, Bald Ambition, has his colleagues astounded by Frank's wearing a sports coat (after which his wardrobe varies slightly from time to time).

The majority of episodes end with them in intimate situations, most of the time in bed, reviewing the events of the day. His relationship with Joyce Davenport, whom he affectionately calls 'Counselor', is at first secret by the end of Season 3, they are married. Frank is divorced from Fay Furillo, though he tolerates her regular tirades and helps her out as if they were still married. Though he was the protege of Police Chief-to-be Daniels, Furillo often disagrees with Daniels on policy and generally has little respect for him. Furillo joined the police force in 1964 and was a Lieutenant at Division prior to his promotion to Captain. He generally presents himself to be even-tempered, though it is often clear that he is controlling his emotions on rare occasions he allows himself to get truly angry. He is honest, capable, and goes 'by the book,' though some of his colleagues find him a bit superior in attitude. Furillo is in charge of the Hill Street Precinct and the focus of most episodes.

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