text: why are cops only able to solve crimes after they've been suspended? this seems to be a classic theme in all police tv shows and movies, cops having to hand in their badge and guns, and only then are able to get evidence and bring down the criminal (who is usaully a high-ranking businessman or public official).  does this ever happen in real life?  i'd be interested to hear from real cops, who'll know if this have really ever happened (or is it just an overused story-line for cops shows). well the premise in the tv shows is that the accused officer now has the time and the motivation, and they are further driven by anger and a need to prove their innocence.  and yes, it is one of the most over-used plots for cop shows.  in real life if you tried to follow up on anything especially a case that you were involved in prior to your suspension, you would find yourself in jail for obstruction of justice, or stalking the witness/suspects who got you in trouble in the first place. additionally, you could be charged with carrying a concealed weapon, since you wouldn't have the right to do so off duty. also, when you hand in your badge, even if it is for a suspension, you are told you have no police powers, so if you pulled a gun on someone or took them into custody or even said "i am officer (or detective) _______" you could be charged with impersonating a police officer.  internal affairs may also assign a detective to keep an eye on you and make sure that you don't try to follow-up on anything and that if you do, they are there to put a stop to it and take you into custody.  finally, if the real criminal is someone in public office, what usually happens is the accused officer (or his attorney) can use the press to bring that person down.   now, what sometimes happens in "real life" to good cops who are falsely accused is: they wait until their suspension is over, they gather up all the evidence possible, they either retire or leave the department, and then they write a book about what really happened.  or, if they are fired, they can write about it right away, unless there is some type order that stays in effect after the incident. or, they can personally sue the public official or executive for damages, prove their innocence in civil court and get a nice fat settlement, then go on to write the book. making money from the incident can be far more satisfying than putting the executive or public official in jail.