Long Island, New York-native Rob Werthner formed the band in 2001 with bassist Luis Espaillat, drummer Kory Knipp, and guitarist Tim Flaherty, and added keyboardist Daniel Feese in 2002 prior to the tour to support their self-titled debut album.

Werthner cites musical influences including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Faith No More, The Eagles, New York hardcore, Southern hip-hop, punk, metal, reggae, and songwriters like Billy Joel and Elvis Costello.

The band released their debut album, the self-titled Hot Action Cop (produced by Michael Baker), on Lava Records/Atlantic Records in 2003.

Hot Action Cop released a six-song EP in 2009 with Werthner, Flaherty, Espaillat, Feese, and Nashville session drummer Miles McPherson.

Every year since 2015, Hot Action Cop has headlined or co-headlined a private festival called Lampapalooza in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, and has shared the stage with Sponge, Public Enemy, Run-DMC, EPMD, Rakim, Sir Mix-a-Lot, Bobby Bare Jr., and Elephant Room.

Juan Chavolla joined the Louisville, Kentucky band Elephant Room, playing live and recording with Malcolm Springer in Nashville, Tennessee.

Elephant Room and Hot Action Cop have played several shows together with Chavolla pulling double duty on bass guitar.