Lt. Harvey Bullock is a member in the Gotham City Police Department. He was involved in various police activities involving Two-Face, Harley Quinn and the Scarecrow.
Biography[]
Not much is known about Harvey Bullock's history. According to Commissioner Gordon, he had a reputation for being opportunistic and ruthless.[1]
Batman '89: Shadows[]
When Harvey Dent began his crusade against both Gordon and Batman, Bullock helped the District Attorney set up an ambush for the latter by turning on the Batsignal. Though they both admitted it wouldn't work, Bullock shared details of growing distrust for both within the GCPD and speculation that they'd been communicating via a radio channel, since the signal had not been lit in six months.[1]
After Dent's role in the Burnside Demonstrations, Bullock publicly confronted the DA at City Hall on his speech, which had targeted the GCPD for racial and political failures in the community. Feeling he and the force had been betrayed, Bullock confronted him on his work and how he'd double-crossed the police. Bullock remained outside whilst Dent and his fiancé entered City Hall, where he was asked questions by reporters present.[2]
Bullock later arrived on the scene with more police officers to investigate fire at the Royal Autobody. Encountering Bruce Wayne, he asked the millionaire to give a statement, despite his need to make "a call". Bullock took statements from both Jerome Otis and Drake Winston, the latter providing an eyewitness account of the perpetrators but not their attacker.[3]
After the arsonists were released on bail, Bullock took charge of GCPD operations during the subsequent protests of Burnside's residents. Though he'd been ordered to escort them, he defied orders by Gordon and ordered riot squads to hold them back, claiming they intended violence. During the escalating tensions, the vigilante Robin disrupted his actions by dropping spray paint bombs on him and his officers, as well as deploying cans to help the protesters fend off the police. This caused further escalations and attacks against the officers. Gordon eventually took over from Bullock and called off his forcers.[4] Despite being responsible for the riot, Bullock's action were blamed on the commissioner, eventually resulting in his resignation.[5]
During Two-Face's attack on the Gotham Police Headquarters, Bullock was the only officer (aside from Gordon) to remain in the building during the "gas-leak". When the thugs began their attack on the building, he responded to the attack on the evidence lock-up whilst Gordon lit up the Batsignal. Confronting Dent and his men, Bullock was shot by the ex-DA. During the confrontation with him, Two-Face gave Batman the choice to stop him or rescue Bullock. Batman chose to save Bullock, bringing him to safety and leaving him to receive help from other GCPD officers.[5]
Batman '89: Echoes[]
Bullock was still active two years after Batman's retirement, though retained the rank of lieutenant despite Barbara Gordon raising through the ranks. He was one of the officers in charge of investigating several murders of Batman copycats by apparently unrelated criminals, working with Gordon after a fourth one was murdered. Bullock took notice of reactions by the fourth copycat's murderer, noting he was terrified of the costume more than anything.[6]
Appearances[]
Behind the Scenes[]
Films[]
Harvey Bullock had previously served as inspiration for character Max Eckhardt from Batman. Based heavily on the Pre-Crisis incarnations of the character, Eckhardt was corrupt cop who worked for a major crime lord and served as a hinderance to Batman and Gordon rather than an ally. He also took many design elements from the character, such as the disheveled trench coat and fedora.
Bullock also appeared in Sam Hamm's screenplay draft for Batman Returns. Given the forename "Eddie", he was a lieutenant and aide to Commissioner Gordon, though seemed to lack any distain for Batman. The character was cut when Hamm was replaced by Daniel Waters. Bullock did not appear in later films under Joel Schumacher's direction.