I see you are like me, a fan of both series. I also
look for all the actors that appear in both. Maybe
you can help with something I never understood in
"This Case is Closed"...what does Rockford mean when he tells Lt Larry (Eddie Fontaine) in Newark (as he is being run out of town) "get in touch with me if you come to L.A., maybe we can go out and ROLL A FEW DRUNKS". What does that expression mean? (I guess I don't hang out on the streets enough to pick up all the street jargon) My guess is that it means to go
beat up drunks who are in no position to defend themselves.

I believe to 'roll a drunk' means to roll him over and rob him while he's passed out...I think the term originated back in the 30's or 40's.

I agree, I think that is the predominant criminal meaning. I'm gonna check, though, with the captain who works with the DA's office for the exact definition. God knows he knows more than I do about that. Me I'm just a detective..looking and thinking...thinking and looking...

^

'Roll' basically means 'mug', particularly regarding drunks, as in "roll him over and go through his pockets."