If you grew up in the United States during the 1980s, 1990s, or early 2000s, chances are you’ve heard the gravelly voice of McGruff the Crime Dog telling you to “Take a bite out of crime.” For over four decades, McGruff has been an iconic symbol of public safety and crime prevention. From television PSAs to school visits, this trench coat-wearing bloodhound has played a pivotal role in educating kids and adults alike.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Scruff McGruff the Crime Dog, from his origins and mission to fun facts like who voiced him and where to find a McGruff the Crime Dog costume.
Who Is McGruff the Crime Dog?
McGruff the Crime Dog is a fictional character created in 1980 by the advertising firm Dancer Fitzgerald Sample through a campaign funded by the Ad Council and the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC). He’s an anthropomorphic bloodhound who wears a trench coat and speaks in a gruff, authoritative tone. His mission? To teach Americans - especially children - how to prevent crime and stay safe.
The slogan “Take a bite out of crime” became a national catchphrase, and McGruff quickly became a pop culture figure. Whether through commercials, comic books, classroom materials, or community events, he symbolized safety and personal responsibility.
The Origins of Scruff McGruff the Crime Dog
McGruff’s full persona is Scruff McGruff the Crime Dog, with a fictional address of “Scruff McGruff, Chicago, IL, 60652.” This address became famous thanks to a 1980s jingle urging children to write to McGruff for crime prevention tips and educational materials.
The concept behind Scruff McGruff was to create a mascot that wasn’t threatening, but still communicated the seriousness of crime. His trench coat look is reminiscent of classic detectives like Sherlock Holmes or Columbo - clever and trustworthy.
Who Is the Voice of McGruff the Crime Dog?
The original McGruff the Crime Dog actor behind the voice was John Morales, a Chicago police officer who recorded hundreds of PSA commercials throughout the 1980s and 1990s. His gritty, deep voice gave McGruff his signature sound and helped instill trust and urgency in crime prevention messaging.
Over the years, several other voice actors have taken up the mantle of McGruff, but Morales is still considered the original voice of this iconic figure.
The McGruff the Crime Dog Costume and Community Outreach
One of the most recognized symbols of McGruff’s legacy is the McGruff the Crime Dog costume. This mascot costume, complete with oversized dog features and a long beige trench coat, has been worn by police officers, teachers, and volunteers during school visits, parades, and neighborhood watch meetings.
The costume allows McGruff to connect with children on a personal level. Seeing the character in person gives life to the lessons he promotes—like staying safe online, avoiding strangers, and resisting peer pressure.
If you're organizing a community safety event or school program, McGruff costumes are available for rental or purchase through authorized safety supply vendors, often partnered with law enforcement departments.
McGruff’s Presence in Pop Culture
Beyond his PSAs and crime prevention work, McGruff the Crime Dog has made several pop culture appearances:
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Cartoons and Animated Specials – McGruff starred in several animated safety videos and short films that taught children about bullying, drugs, and internet safety.
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Parody and Internet Memes – Over the years, McGruff’s serious tone and distinctive style have become fodder for affectionate parody, especially in internet culture. Despite the humor, the core message remains respected.
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Educational Materials – Workbooks, stickers, and interactive websites continue to be used in classrooms across the U.S.
McGruff also earned a place in advertising history, being named one of the top 100 advertising icons of the 20th century.
McGruff’s Role in Modern Crime Prevention
Even in the digital age, McGruff the Crime Dog remains a vital part of crime prevention efforts. The NCPC continues to use McGruff’s image in campaigns that address modern-day safety issues such as:
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Cyberbullying
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Identity theft
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Gun safety
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Substance abuse
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Human trafficking
McGruff’s adaptability makes him an enduring character. He’s appeared in updated digital PSAs and even runs a modern Twitter/X account to engage with a younger audience.
Educational Impact and Legacy
What makes Scruff McGruff the Crime Dog stand out is his tangible influence on generations of children. School-based crime prevention efforts that use McGruff’s curriculum have been shown to:
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Improve children’s awareness of dangerous situations
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Teach kids how to ask for help from trusted adults
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Encourage community involvement through safety clubs and watch programs
Many adults today fondly remember writing letters to “Scruff McGruff, Chicago, IL, 60652” and receiving booklets filled with crime prevention tips. That nostalgic connection keeps McGruff relevant even decades later.
Want to Be McGruff? How to Get a McGruff the Crime Dog Costume
Looking to “take a bite out of crime” at your next school or community event? A McGruff the Crime Dog costume can help! These full-body mascot costumes are often licensed and distributed by the National Crime Prevention Council or authorized partners. Here are some tips:
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Official Source: Start by checking with your local police department or the NCPC for approved costume suppliers.
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Rental Options: Some law enforcement agencies allow temporary rentals for community events.
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Buy Online: Reputable costume companies may also sell official McGruff costumes for educational use.
Always verify the authenticity of the costume to respect the brand and mission of McGruff.
Why McGruff Still Matters
Over 40 years since his creation, McGruff the Crime Dog continues to be a powerful symbol of safety, prevention, and community. Whether you remember his catchy slogan from childhood or are seeing him for the first time at a school event, his message is clear and timeless: Take a bite out of crime.
From public service announcements to real-life community outreach, Scruff McGruff the Crime Dog remains a beloved and impactful character. Whether it’s learning how to stay safe or dressing up in a McGruff the Crime Dog costume for an event, the legacy of this crime-fighting pup lives on.
