Jacob Jeffrey "Jake" Peralta portrayed by Andy Samberg is the main protagonist of the show, and the only character besides Raymond Holt to appear in every episode. At the start of the series, he was a cocky and immature, but very talented and dedicated NYPD detective stationed in Brooklyn's 99th Precinct.
He was often the one coming up with precinct competitions and shenanigans and not taking anything except his cases seriously. He has, however, always cared deeply about his friends and is extremely loyal. Throughout the series, due to his father-son relationship with Holt, and his partnership-turned-relationship with his now wife, Amy , Jake matured and turned into a very respectful and respectable person. In the series finale , he decides to retire from the NYPD and become a stay-at-home dad to his son Mac born in the season 7 finale, " Lights Out " so that Amy can focus on her career.
Peralta is a detective that has never been one to follow the rules too closely, frequently ignoring departmental guidelines and ignoring instructions from superior officers. Perhaps because he has the best arrest record among his colleagues, he's been enabled - if not indulged - throughout his entire career. That is, until the precinct gets a new commanding officer, Captain Raymond Holt , who reminds this hotshot cop to respect the badge.
When first introduced, Jake is a very competent detective with an incredibly immature, yet charming, personality. He often butts heads with authority and teases his partner, and later wife, Amy Santiago. He has trouble expressing his emotions, preferring to crack jokes and deflect with humor, but he usually comes around to talking about how he's feeling. He is extremely intelligent and calculating, yet his wits are most often channeled into coming up with clever wordplay instead of more detail-oriented work.
He is also shown as somewhat unorganized and irresponsible, being in severe debt due to poor financial choices. As the show progresses, however, he is shown to be much more responsible.
