The association between police officers and doughnuts stems from the mid-20th century, when doughnut shops were among the few establishments open late at night while officers were on patrol. These shops provided a convenient place for law enforcement to grab a quick snack and a cup of coffee during their overnight shifts. Over time, the frequent presence of officers at these establishments led to the spread of this stereotype in popular culture. Jokes and media portrayals later cemented the image of doughnut-loving cops in the public's imagination.