Police slang Kojak

kojak used red, magnetically mounted federal signal fireball rotating emergency light atop unmarked police vehicle (a bronze 1973 buick century regal 455, , later, copper 1975 version of same car). type of emergency light has popularly come known kojak light among police. during series, kojak s duty weapon either smith & wesson model 15 .38 special revolver two-inch barrel or .38 special snub nosed smith & wesson bodyguard. latter type of revolver kind typically carried new york city police department detectives of era. kojak carried in front right pocket of overcoat or suit jacket, or carried in hand approached scene expecting danger. became known carrying weapon kojak style or kojak carry police.