His death was reported toThe New York Timesby a Wambaugh family friend.
The film adaptation starred George C. Scott and Stacy Keach.
The gritty cop series paved the way for later series celebrated for a new realism such asNYPD Blueand evenER.
Joseph WambaughRicardo DeAratanha/Getty Images
Throughout his training and service, he continued studying and writing.
Wambaugh is survived by wife Dee, son David and daughter Jeanette.
Son Mark died in a 1984 car accident at age 21.
