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.
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.
Ron Carey wanted something as his trademark. Every time Levitt left the squad room, he opened the door with his left hand and with his back to the edge of the door, rotated around the edge of the door (keeping his back against it), then closed the door.