How many times has Denzel Washington played as law enforcement?

It's tricky to give you an exact number for how many times Denzel Washington has played a law enforcement officer, as it depends on how broadly you define "law enforcement".

Here's a breakdown:

Definitely Law Enforcement:

* Police Officers: Denzel has played many police officers, including iconic roles in *Training Day*, *American Gangster*, *Man on Fire*, *The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3*, and *Philadelphia*.

* FBI Agents: He has also played FBI agents in *The Bone Collector* and *The Equalizer* franchise.

* Military Officers: While not strictly law enforcement, he has portrayed military officers in *Glory*, *Crimson Tide*, and *Flight*.

May Be Considered Law Enforcement:

* Vigilantes: He has played characters like *John Q* who take the law into their own hands, which could be considered a form of law enforcement.

Not Law Enforcement:

* He has played many roles that are not in law enforcement, such as in *Malcolm X*, *The Hurricane*, and *Fences*.

Conclusion:

While we can't provide an exact number, it's clear that Denzel Washington has played a significant number of characters in law enforcement or vigilante roles, showcasing his range and skill in portraying complex figures within the justice system.