Meaning: The quote, "I've never been a cop nor hope to be a cop, thanks," is a statement by the author Evan Hunter, also known by his pseudonym Ed McBain. Evan Hunter was an American author and screenwriter, best known for his work in the crime fiction genre. He wrote many novels, short stories, and screenplays, and is particularly famous for his 87th Precinct series of police procedural novels.

In this quote, Evan Hunter is making it clear that he has never been a police officer and has no aspirations to become one. This statement reflects his perspective as a writer who often delved into the world of law enforcement and crime. It underscores the fact that Hunter's knowledge and portrayal of police work and criminal investigations were based on research, observation, and imagination rather than personal experience as a law enforcement officer.

Evan Hunter's stance on not being a cop is important to consider in the context of his body of work. The 87th Precinct series, which comprises over 50 novels, is a testament to his deep understanding of police procedures, criminal psychology, and the complexities of urban crime. Hunter's ability to authentically depict the lives of police officers and the gritty realities of crime-ridden cities without having been a cop himself highlights his skill as a writer and researcher.

Furthermore, the quote may also reflect Hunter's desire to maintain a certain distance from the profession he often wrote about. By emphasizing that he has never been and does not aspire to be a cop, Hunter may be signaling that his role as a writer is distinct from the real-life experiences and challenges faced by law enforcement professionals. This boundary allows him the creative freedom to explore and interpret the world of policing without being confined by the constraints of personal involvement in the profession.

It is worth noting that Evan Hunter's choice of pseudonym, Ed McBain, for his 87th Precinct series further underscores his separation of identity as a writer from that of a law enforcement officer. The use of a pen name for this specific body of work allowed him to create a distinct persona under which he could immerse himself in the world of crime fiction and police procedurals.

In conclusion, Evan Hunter's quote, "I've never been a cop nor hope to be a cop, thanks," provides insight into his perspective as an author who extensively explored the realm of law enforcement and crime in his writing. It serves as a reminder that his portrayal of police work and criminal investigations was a product of his literary imagination and research, rather than personal experience. This quote encapsulates Hunter's distinction as a writer who skillfully depicted the complexities of policing while maintaining a respectful distance from the profession itself.