Stephen Downing (October 28, 1938 – November 20, 2025) was an American screenwriter, television producer, investigative journalist, and criminal justice reform advocate. He began writing for television in the 1960s while still serving as an LAPD officer, often using pseudonyms to avoid department scrutiny. Downing became widely known for his work on several major TV series, as well as for his longtime activism focused on ending the war on drugs, reducing police militarization, and promoting accountability in American law enforcement.
Quick Bio
- Full Name: Stephen Downing
- Date of Birth: October 28, 1938
- Date of Death: November 20, 2025
- Age at Death: 87
- Birthplace: United States
- Nationality: American
- Professions: Screenwriter, Producer, Journalist, Activist, Former LAPD Officer
- Known For: MacGyver, T.J. Hooker, Walking Tall, RoboCop: The Series
- Affiliation: Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP)
- Focus Areas: Police reform, drug policy reform, investigative reporting
- Marital Status: Married
Early Life & LAPD Career
Stephen Downing began his professional life in the Los Angeles Police Department, where he gained a deep understanding of policing, narcotics enforcement, and institutional law enforcement culture. His early experiences shaped his later reform efforts and informed much of his television writing.
Television Writing & Producing Career
Downing launched his screenwriting career in the 1960s while still on active duty with the LAPD. To avoid disciplinary issues, he wrote many of his early scripts under pseudonyms. After leaving the department, he became a full-time writer and producer, contributing to some of the most iconic American action and crime series of the 20th century.
His notable credits included:
- Walking Tall
- T.J. Hooker
- MacGyver
- RoboCop: The Series
His work often reflected themes of justice, law enforcement culture, and the moral complexity of policing—rooted in his personal experiences at the LAPD.
Advocacy & Reform Work
After retiring from television, Downing became a leading voice in criminal justice reform. He spoke nationally about ending the war on drugs, decreasing police militarization, and creating community-centered public safety models.
In 2011, he joined the board of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP), formerly Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. He served on the board until 2019 and remained an advisory member, regularly writing op-eds, giving speeches, and representing the organization in public forums.
Investigative Journalism
Downing volunteered as an investigative journalist for a local newspaper in Long Beach, California. His reporting focused heavily on police corruption, misconduct, and misuse of public funds. His work led to community discussions, public accountability, and local policy reforms.
Death
Stephen Downing passed away on November 20, 2025, at the age of 87. His death marked the loss of a pioneering television storyteller, a principled reform advocate, and a respected investigative journalist.
Legacy
Downing left behind a multifaceted legacy: influential television shows, groundbreaking advocacy for drug policy reform, and fearless journalism exposing municipal corruption. His work continues to influence discussions around public safety, police accountability, and media portrayals of law enforcement.
FAQs About Stephen Downing
- Who was Stephen Downing?
An American screenwriter, producer, former LAPD officer, activist, and investigative journalist. - When did Stephen Downing die?
He died on November 20, 2025. - What TV shows did he work on?
MacGyver, T.J. Hooker, Walking Tall, and RoboCop: The Series. - What issues did he advocate for?
Ending the war on drugs, reducing police militarization, and increasing public accountability. - Was he involved in LEAP?
Yes, he served on the board and later as an advisory member. - What was his investigative journalism about?
Local corruption, policing misconduct, and public oversight in Long Beach, California.
