Martin as Detective Ed Green and S. Epatha Merkerson as Lt.

Anita Van Buren, alongside white leads, which reflects realistic New York City demographics rather than forced DEI quotas or race/gender-swapping of established characters; Green's introduction replaces the previous Latino detective in a standard partner rotation without narrative controversy. Episodes occasionally touch on social issues ripped from headlines, such as gun control in 'Gunshow' (targeting female students, pushing against manufacturers), racial tensions between detectives in 'Marathon,' police misconduct and race dynamics in 'Black, White and Blue' (cops drop white man in Harlem leading to murder), immigration in 'Narcosis,' and mental health rights in 'Collision,' but these are procedural cases presented with balance from both prosecution and defense sides, without overt lectures, systemic critiques, or prioritizing message over story.

No prominent LGBTQ+ representation, identity politics, or creator-stated activist intent; Dick Wolf's pro-law enforcement approach dominates. No audience backlash, controversies, or 'woke' criticisms at the time or retrospectively, as it aired in 1999-2000 before modern social justice activism intensified.