S5·E6 Competence

Episode recap

In the Law and Order episode titled Competence, Lieutenant Van Buren becomes the victim of an attempted holdup. The incident involves two teenagers and results in Van Buren firing her weapon. During the confrontation, she kills one of the teenagers. Following the shooting, the detectives assigned to the case are confronted with the fact that Van Buren shot an unarmed child in the back.

Law and Order is an American police procedural and legal drama series created by Dick Wolf. The program focuses on the New York criminal justice system, typically dividing its narrative structure into two parts. The first half of the series follows police detectives as they investigate violent crimes, weigh evidence, and question suspects until an individual is taken into custody. The second half shifts to the district attorney's office, where prosecutors work to build a case and prove the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt. The series is known for featuring cases that are described as being ripped from the headlines.

The show, which was produced by Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television, aired its entire run on NBC. It premiered on September 13, 1990, and concluded its twentieth season on May 24, 2010. The production is recognized as the launch of the broader Law and Order franchise. As an archival record of the series, the program maintains a focus on the procedural aspects of law enforcement and the subsequent legal proceedings in court. This specific episode highlights the complexities faced by law enforcement personnel when they are involved in deadly force incidents, forcing the investigative team to reconcile the actions of their superior officer with the reality of the victim being an unarmed minor. The narrative serves as an example of the show's commitment to exploring the ethical and legal dilemmas inherent in the criminal justice system.