This hard-hitting and emotional series from NBC's "Law & Order" brand chronicles the life and crimes of the Special Victims Unit of the New York Police Department, the elite squad of detectives who investigate sexually based crimes. Created by Emmy Award-winning producer Dick Wolf, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" is now entering its ninth season. The program has received numerous citations from community-based organizations for the social issues it tackles, and the cast members are frequently recognized for the work they do off-screen to promote personal health and safety and other volunteer efforts and initiatives.

The drama follows Detective Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni), a seasoned veteran of the unit who has seen it all, and his partner, Detective Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay), whose difficult past -- a product of rape -- is the reason she joined the unit. Meloni is recognized as one of the most versatile actors today, taking on challenging and diverse roles in both television and film. He is well known for his portrayal of the duplicitous inmate Chris Keller on HBO's critically praised series "Oz." He moved to the right side of the law, however, on "Law & Order: SVU" where he was nominated for his first Emmy Award in 2006 as Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.