In New York City, when a crime is committed, the victims are represented by two distinct yet forever intertwined forces. There's the police department, represented here by the aging, cynical and recovering alcoholic Detective Briscoe, his more passionate and idealistic partner Detective Green, and their boss, Lieutenant Van Buren.

In New York City, when a crime is committed, the victims are represented by two distinct yet forever intertwined forces. There's the police department, represented here by the aging, cynical and recovering alcoholic Detective Briscoe, his more passionate and idealistic partner Detective Green, and their boss, Lieutenant Van Buren. It is their job to investigate the crime, collect evidence, interview witnesses and then, when the evidence points to a suspect or suspects, place the suspect's) under arrest. The matter is then taken over by the prosecutors of the District Attorney's office, EADA Jack McCoy, his assistant prosecutor Serena Southerlyn, and the District Attorney Arthur Branch, who discuss deals, prepare the witnesses and evidence and conduct the people's case in the trial.