Davis' name was familiar to a generation of Americans since it appeared on its own card for "technical advice" in the closing credits of the popular television programs Dragnet (1967–70) and Adam-12 (1968–75).

In 1972, Hayden White, acting as sole plaintiff, brought suit against Davis, alleging the illegal expenditure of public funds in connection with covert intelligence gathering by police at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Dozens of men were detained on charges of violating an 1899 anti-slavery statute, but the expensive raid was criticized by the city council and no one was convicted.

[2] In 1975, Davis declined an invitation from Christopher Street West to attend Los Angeles' gay pride celebration, saying that he would prefer to support conversion therapy instead.

"[4] Davis retired from law enforcement in 1978 to run for Governor of California but lost the Republican nomination to then state Attorney General Evelle Younger.

In the 1980 primary he defeated assemblyman Bob Cline for the Republican nomination and was eventually elected to the California State Senate.

He also related his impressions of a young LAPD lieutenant named Bernard Parks who went on to become chief, and described how he implemented the community policing program during his administration.