Law & Order vs. Actual NYC Crime Stats

"You see, 1990 was not only the first year of L&O, it was the high point for murders in New York City. There were more murders that year than at any point in the 1970s or 80s, and the body count stayed high throughout the early 90s. You see this reflected in the series. Sure, Law & Order started off with a lot of feel-good outcomes, because in 1990 a brand new show couldn't afford to frustrate audiences. But the tone of the show quickly became one of helplessness and futility, to reflect how the people of New York were losing faith in actual law and order."