The Homicide Detectives

Detective Lydia Adams (Regina King) is smart and perceptive, possessing excellent investigative instincts.  Working in the homicide division after previously spending two years in the gang unit, she is one of the sharpest detectives around, but she hasn’t had much luck keeping a partner after Detective Russell Clarke was shot.  She hasn’t been successful in finding or keeping a boyfriend, either.  With Lydia’s mother, who has been spending time in Paris, returning soon, Lydia’s social life will only be further dampened. (Detective Adams In-Depth)

Russell Clarke (Tom Everett Scott) previously worked the homicide beat with Detective Lydia Adams, but after being shot by a neighbor, he switched to a desk job.  Although he feels ready to return to the job, and Lydia definitely wants him back, his psyche may have other ideas.  On the home front, Russell’s life is a shambles.  After sparking up a relationship with a writing teacher, his already strained relationship with his wife was pushed to the breaking point.

Detective Josie Ochoa (Jenny Gago) is a tough, take-charge investigator and the latest detective partnered with Lydia, who continues to hope for Russell’s return to the job.  Once shot in the line of duty, Josie now seems utterly fearless on the job.  She also brings a Hispanic perspective to the job, providing some teachable moments for Lydia.

The Gang Squad

Detective Nate Moretta (Kevin Alejandro) works on the LAPD’s gang unit, partnering with Detective Sammy Bryant.  He served in the Army where he met his wife.  He cares deeply about his kids and helps run the police department’s Explorer Program.  Last year, his daughter – who had been brought up to believe she was his sister – learned the truth about their relationship.

Detective Sammy Bryant (Shawn Hatosy) partners with Nate Moretta in the LAPD’s gang unit.  Although a stoner in his younger days, he has completely turned his life around.  Extremely friendly, he establishes a good rapport with witnesses he’s interviewing.  Unfortunately, his home life is often strained because his wife continues to use drugs and has a flair for the dramatic.  This season, his marriage will be pushed to the breaking point.

Detective Daniel “Sal” Salinger (Michael McGrady) is a senior member of the gang unit.  A tough detective with a biting sense of humor, Sal’s marriage is on the skids after his wife learned about his affair with a local newswoman.  Sal’s relationship with his teenage daughter is strained, as well, primarily because he both over-protects and spoils her. (Detective Salinger In-Depth)

The Patrol Officers

Officer Chickie Brown (Arija Bareikis) is determined to be as tough as any of her male colleagues by becoming the first female admitted into the elite SWAT unit.  She partners with Officer Dewey Dudek, whose abrasive and inappropriate manner finally pushed her to report him, resulting in his suspension from the force.  Although insecure and tentative as an officer, Chickie ultimately proved her worth by taking down a serial rapist terrorizing the canyon in last season’s finale.

Officer John Cooper (Michael Cudlitz) is a seasoned patrol cop who now serves as a training officer to Officer Ben Sherman.  He comes across as jaded and unmoved by anything he sees on the streets, but when he has the opportunity to take down a bad guy, he gets a glint in his eye.  Suffering severe back pain from various work-related injuries, Cooper is becoming increasingly dependent upon painkillers to function.  John is very guarded about his private life.

Officer Ben Sherman (Ben McKenzie) is a rookie cop partnered with Officer John Cooper.  Ben comes from a wealthy family, but he has little love for his father, a defense attorney who walked out on Ben’s mother.  Ben has what it takes to be a good officer, but he still has a lot to learn.  He also tends to let his heart interfere with his judgment, becoming emotionally attached to the people he encounters.

Officer Dewey Dudek (C. Thomas Howell) has spent years being a sorry excuse for an officer.  Full of himself, chauvinistic and deliberately offensive, he has made life miserable for his partner, Officer Chickie Brown.  When she finally turned him in for his behavior, he went ballistic and nearly killed her by wrecking their police car.  Now out of rehab, he is a changed man, a 12-step evangelist who some think may be worse than the old Dewey.

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Character profiles provided courtesy of TNT Public Relations.