<P> The show was a revised milder version of a 1973--74 ABC series, Toma, starring Tony Musante as chameleon - like, real - life New Jersey police officer David Toma . When Musante left the series after a single season, the concept was retooled as Baretta, with Robert Blake in the title role . </P> <P> Detective Anthony Vincenzo "Tony" Baretta is an unorthodox plainclothes cop (badge #609) with the 53rd precinct, who lives with Fred, his Triton sulphur - crested cockatoo, in apartment 2C at the run - down King Edward Hotel in an unnamed, fictional city . A master of disguise, Baretta wore many while performing his duties . When not working he usually wore a short - sleeve sweatshirt, casual slacks, a brown suede jacket and a newsboy cap . </P> <P> Baretta was often seen with an unlit cigarette in his lips or behind his ear . His catchphrases included "Don't do the crime if you can't do the time", "You can take dat to da bank" and "And dat's the name of dat tune ." When exasperated he would occasionally speak in asides to his late father, Louie Baretta . He drove a rusted - out Mist Blue 1966 Chevrolet Impala four - door sport sedan nicknamed "The Blue Ghost" (license plate 532 BEM). He hung out at Ross's Billiard Academy and referred to his numerous girlfriends as his "cousins". </P> <P> "Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow," the show's theme music was composed by Dave Grusin and Morgan Ames and sung by Sammy Davis Jr . </P>

Who said if you do the crime you do the time