I would really like to know which department of the police Kojak was assigned to. In fact I would like anyone out there to tell me the names of the different types of police department in the US. From TV cop shows I am only aware of Homicide and Vice. I would also like to know why some cops in TV shows work alone, with partners or in teams. Is this merely a dramatic device or does it accurately represent different working methods in the US police?
shareLt. Kojak was assigned to Manhattan South Detectives for the NYPD. Unlike the LAPD or other "cop" shows described on TV, the NYPD has detectives assigned to Precincts, which handle crimes within that Precinct, Borough Commands, like Manhattan South, Manhattan North, Bronx, Brooklyn South, Brooklyn North, Queens South, Queens North, Staten Island and specialized units like Major Crimes, Special Victims, etc. I am surprised that no one else answered this question.
As for other police departments in the US, large and small cities have Police Departments, large rural areas have Sheriff Departments, States have Highway Patrol or State Police, small towns may have marshals, or constables, and of course there may be combinations of each within one city, county or state. Detectives and Investigators in larger cities, counties and states usually work in teams, with partners or alone, depending on unit assigned to and the crimes they investigate. Smaller cities and towns usually have detectives working alone. Every agency is different, and variation is the norm rather than the exception.
Remember that television and movies, take dramatic license with the inner workings of the police and detectives, and their methods. Very few "cop" shows are accurate and authentic in their depictions of law enforcement in the US.