Thirteen episodes included scenes outside of the police station: Ramon (1975), Graft (1975), Stakeout (1975), Hair (1975), The Hero (1975), Grand Hotel (1975), Fish (1975), Eviction: Part 2 (1978), Wojo's Girl: Part 2 (1979), Contempt: Part 1 (1981), Contempt: Part 2 (1981), Chinatown: Part 1 (1982), and Chinatown: Part 2 (1982).
During its broadcast run, amid the many cop shows on television at the time, many real-life police officers considered this the show that best depicted the realities of police life.
Comedy writer and teacher Danny Arnold pointed out the three divisions of each teleplay: A story about a regular character, one about someone in the cell, and one about someone in the squad room with a personal conflict.
The show was deliberately staged as a theatrical play using only one set which included the squad room, the office, and the restroom. Out of 170 total episodes, all but 13 were filmed exclusively on the ABC Television Center Barney Miller set.
During the show's run, the producers were approached about doing a feature film based on the show using the regular cast members. The film was never made.