Alongside Jack Webb's Badge 714 (1951), this is considered by many to be the most accurate TV show about the activities of the Los Angeles Police Department.
This was a revision of L.A. Takedown, Michael Mann's previous attempt to launch a new TV show.
CBS cancelled the series after 10 episodes despite decent ratings. The remaining three unaired episodes premiered on the USA Network in April 2003.
The character of Officer Alton Davis, played by Mario Van Peebles in the episodes "A Life of its own" and "Alton Davis Redux", is based on famous Rampart Scandal whistle blower Rafael Antonio Perez. Just like Rafael Perez, Alton Davis got the same police background and occupation : Field Enforcement Section Undercover operations in the Rampart Division and moonlighting as a bodyguard for a famous Gangsta Rap Music Company.