A police series set in the 15th Precinct in New York City. Focuses on the cops' struggles to sustain a sense of humanity in the face of the chaos of their jobs and the fragility of their private lives. Detective John Kelly, a 15-year veteran, leaves the force under the threat of investigation about possible involvement with his girlfriend Janice Licalsi's entanglement with the Mafia and subsequent murder trial. Detective Andy Sipowicz, who is coping with his alcohol abuse and beginning a relationship with Assistant District Attorney Sylvia Costas, is assigned a new partner, Andy Simone. Lieutenant Arthur Fancy is the well-respected leader of the 15th Squad, which also includes James Martinez, a sensitive and streetwise cop, and Greg Medavoy, a hard worker whose marriage may be in jeopardy after his brief romance with Donna Abandando, the attractive squadroom assistant.