"Law & Order: Criminal Intent" is the second spin-off of the long-running crime drama "Law & Order".

"Law & Order: Criminal Intent" follows a distinct division of the New York City Police Department: the "Major Case Squad". The Major Case Squad investigates high-profile cases, such as those involving VIPs, local government officials and employees, the financial industry, and the art world.

It veers from the traditional "Law & Order" format by taking viewers into the minds of its criminals while following the psychological approaches the Major Case Squad uses to solve the crimes.