For nearly a decade, Jesse L. Martin helped bring one of television’s most recognizable detectives to life. Now, the actor is sharing why Law & Order earned a reputation for authenticity, revealing that the long-running crime drama relied heavily on real law enforcement professionals and legal experts to make every episode as believable as possible.
Martin, 57, portrayed Detective Ed Green from 1999 through 2008, appearing in 198 episodes across Seasons 10 through 18. During that time, he says everyone involved with the NBC series worked hard to ensure that investigations, courtroom procedures and police work reflected how cases unfolded in real life.
According to Martin, that commitment to realism was one of the reasons the show received praise from people working in the criminal justice system.
Real detectives helped shape every episode
Martin says one of the production’s biggest strengths was having experienced detectives available throughout filming.
Retired investigators regularly worked alongside the cast and crew, offering guidance whenever questions arose about investigative procedures or police protocol. Their presence allowed actors and writers to confirm that scenes accurately reflected how detectives would approach a case.
Whenever a situation seemed unrealistic or uncertain, the consultants stepped in to explain how events would likely unfold during an actual investigation. Martin says having that expertise on set helped keep the series grounded throughout its long run.
Former attorneys strengthened the scripts
Authenticity extended beyond police work. Martin explains that several members of the writing staff had previously worked as attorneys before transitioning into television.
Because of their legal backgrounds, they understood courtroom procedures, case preparation and the finer details of criminal investigations. That firsthand knowledge helped create storylines that felt believable while accurately portraying the legal process featured in each episode.
The combination of experienced legal writers and retired detectives gave the creative team valuable insight as scripts developed from the earliest stages.
Real police officers appeared on screen
When episodes required large police operations, the production often went beyond hiring traditional background performers.
Martin recalls that many officers appearing during major action scenes were active police officers working film assignments. Whether scenes involved SWAT teams or large groups of uniformed officers, productions frequently relied on professionals who already understood police tactics and procedures.
Their experience added another layer of realism to the series while helping ensure that movements, formations and interactions looked authentic on camera.
Martin believes those details helped distinguish Law & Order from many other television dramas.
Law enforcement embraced the show’s accuracy
Although viewers occasionally recognized Martin for his role as Detective Ed Green, he says some of the most meaningful reactions came from people working in law enforcement and the legal profession.
Over the years, detectives, police officers and attorneys often approached him to express their appreciation for the series. Many told him they believed Law & Order came closer than most television shows to depicting what police work and criminal investigations actually looked like.
Martin says those conversations always meant a great deal because they reflected the effort everyone invested in portraying public servants respectfully and accurately.
He also remembers receiving plenty of support from officers and civil servants throughout New York City during his years on the show.
Consultants genuinely enjoyed being part of the production
Martin says the retired detectives who worked with the cast brought enthusiasm to every filming day, even when participating during their personal time.
He recalls asking one detective why he chose to spend a day off working on a television set instead of relaxing at home. The detective explained that participating in Law & Order was one of the most enjoyable ways a police officer could spend free time.
That excitement carried over to the entire production, creating a collaborative environment where professionals from different backgrounds shared the common goal of making each episode as authentic as possible.
Looking back on his years with the series, Martin believes those behind the scenes partnerships became a defining part of Law & Order‘s enduring success. The willingness to consult experienced investigators, involve former attorneys and welcome real police officers onto the set helped create a crime drama that earned respect from both audiences and professionals within the criminal justice community.
Even years after leaving the series, Martin continues to hear from law enforcement officials who remember the show’s attention to detail. For him, those conversations remain one of the most rewarding aspects of his time portraying Detective Ed Green and a reminder that authenticity helped make Law & Order one of television’s most enduring procedural dramas.
