Series covers the process of law and order from a dual perspective. In the first half-hour, Detectives Lennie Briscoe and Mike Logan investigate crimes and apprehend law-breakers under the supervision of their new precinct leader, Lt. Anita Van Buren. Dr. Elizabeth Olivet is the precinct psychologist. In the second half-hour, the focus shifts to the criminal courts. Assistant District Attorneys Ben Stone and Claire Kincaid, under the watchful eye of District Attorney Adam Schiff, work within a complicated justice system to prosecute the criminals.