Sergeant Yates

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*South Park* character
Sergeant Louis Harrison Yates

Gender:	Male
Hair:	Reddish-orange
Age:	Unknown
Job:	Police officer
Religion:	Unknown
First Appearance:	"Lil' Crime Stoppers"
Voiced By:	Trey Parker

Sergeant Yates is a fictional character in the animated series South Park. An inept Irish-American police officer, Yates first appeared in episode 706, "Lil' Crime Stoppers," although he was only shown as a background character. His first speaking role was in episode 709, "Christian Rock Hard," where he showed the boys what happens to musicians when people download music for free on the Internet. He also made another brief appearance in "Casa Bonita," leading a search for Butters. He is voiced by Trey Parker.

His first major role was in "The Jeffersons" when Michael Jackson, disguised as Mr. Jefferson, moves into South Park. Yates hates all black men wealthier than himself and frames them—as Mark Fuhrman was accused of doing to O.J. Simpson—but panics and becomes disillusioned when he realizes Michael Jackson, also known as "Mr. Jefferson," is black despite his "white appearance."

In episode 813, "Cartman's Incredible Gift," he takes on another large role as an investigator of a "serial killer," believing that Cartman is psychic, and appears again in episode 913 "Free Willzyx," leading an investigation on a missing whale. Since his first appearance in the 7th season, it seems as if Yates has replaced Officer Barbrady as the show's primary law enforcement representative, although Barbrady is still seen whenever an incompetent cop is needed.

Yates often appears alongside his detective companion Murphy "Mitch" Harrison, who isn't quite as gullible as Yates, but proves to be just oblivious. Yates' wife, Maggie, speaks with an Irish accent.

Some fans have gone so far as to say he has effectively replaced Officer Barbrady's role on South Park.