Question: While trying to keep Terry busy at the gym, Jake is on the treadmill and believes he has burned 200 calories, until Terry corrects him and tells him 200 is his heart rate. I know it's a joke, but in reality, could a person even talk with a heart rate of 200 bpm? (00:16:20)
Question: Over several episodes we see Captain Holt in competition with other Captains for the position of Commissioner. However, we have seen several Deputy Commissioners on the show. Is Commissioner a position that only Captains are eligible for? Are Deputy Commissioners ineligible? How realistic is this?
Answer: In reality, the Commissioner is a civilian administrator, appointed by the mayor of New York City. He (as of this writing, the role has always been filled by a man; the show gets that part right) is usually someone who has risen through the ranks of the NYPD, but upon becoming Commissioner, is no longer a sworn member of the force (the highest sworn rank is that of Chief). Since Commissioners are appointed, technically anyone can serve in the position, including Deputy Commissioners (who are appointed, in turn, by the Commissioner himself).
Update: On 1 January 2022, Keechant Sewell became the first ever female commissioner of the NYPD.