Visible crew/equipment: As Olivia and Elliot are talking to the medical examiner about the cause of death of their victim, an overhead microphone is blatantly visible. (00:11:18)
Visible crew/equipment: When Benson and Stabler are interrogating Jesse, there is an overhead mic visible in the mirror behind them. (00:27:15)
Visible crew/equipment: As Detectives Munch and Jeffries enter the subway train where a rape took place, one of the cameras is noticeable just behind them.
Pixies (a.k.a. Little Women) - S2-E9
Visible crew/equipment: When Benson and Stabler are questioning Kyle Hubert about Kristi, there is a shot where the detectives are being shown through a large mirror in the background. A large camera is visible in the mirror on the left-hand side, next to Benson.
Visible crew/equipment: When Munch and Tutuola are 'apologizing' to the campus security cop, they all walk through a doorway with an open door. In the window of this door, you can see a crew member mirrored from behind, holding a overhead microphone (possibly a light), using a long pole.
Secrets (a.k.a. Apartment to Die For) - S2-E12
Visible crew/equipment: After the detectives bring in the fifteen adults from the swingers' club to the police station, Benson and Stabler bring in one of the men to the interrogation room. Right when they enter, an overhead microphone is visible in the top left-hand corner of the mirror behind them.
Visible crew/equipment: When the ex cop is brought in, as he's sitting down to talk with Elliot, the microphone box/equipment is visible on the back of his pants. (00:29:20)
Visible crew/equipment: Munch and Tutuola have just arrived at Victor Coe's apartment. As they enter the living room there is a mirror on the right hand side. In the reflection you can see a man holding a camera. (00:14:05)
Visible crew/equipment: As two men chase after a kidnapper's SUV one actor's microphone is falling from his jacket, the actor trips and as he stands up he quickly tries to wrangle the microphone back up by its wire. (00:01:08)
Visible crew/equipment: While Benson and Stabler apprehend their suspect in a church, at least one crew member appears on the right side of the frame for about 5 seconds where no one should be. (00:25:45)
Repression - S3-E1
Visible crew/equipment: A white reflector screen and a crew member are reflected on Munch's sunglasses when he is questioning the housekeeper. (00:30:20)
Visible crew/equipment: After Cragen and Cabot meet with and Mark Sanford and his attorney, Cragen storms out of the building, followed by Cabot. As the camera pans following them, you can see the reflection of a microphone in the reflection of the windows of the silver car in the foreground. (00:18:00)
Redemption - S3-E6
Visible crew/equipment: While Detective Stabler and Hawkins talk on the sidewalk, the shadow of a boom mic can be seen on Stabler's shoulder. (00:19:55)
Visible crew/equipment: Benson and Stabler are arriving at Judge Thornburg's place of residence as they learn he's been shot. As their vehicle squeals to a stop, you can see multiple crew members and equipment in the reflection of their maroon car. (00:19:00)
Visible crew/equipment: As Benson and Stabler are walking along the sidewalk talking to the manager of the locksmith company, they pass by two red vans and stop in front of the second one. In the reflection of the van and the window there is a boom mic and a cameraman blatantly visible for more than 15 seconds. (00:18:05)
Visible crew/equipment: As Benson and Stabler are interviewing the grandmother, the mirror behind Stabler briefly shows a microphone that peeks into view. (00:34:00)
Visible crew/equipment: Tutuola is speaking with Violet Tremain, the mother of Cherish Doe in a room at the station. As she stands up, a microphone pole is visible in the mirror behind her. (00:09:55)
Visible crew/equipment: After the Undercover Stabler hangs up the phone and explains the scheme to Cabot and Cragen, he passes in front of a mirror to sit. In the reflection of the mirror you can see a microphone hanging overhead. (00:25:40)
Visible crew/equipment: When Benson and Tutuola make a visit to M.E. Warner, the reflection in the glass shows a crew member holding a microphone. (00:20:10)
Answer: I didn't see the show so I don't know the details. A general answer would be because a reckless endangerment charge is easier to prove "beyond a Reasonable Doubt" in court and get a conviction. This charge would not require the prosecutor to prove intent, which would be required for proving aggravated or simple assault. Also, if there were no visible injuries, it is difficult to show bodily injury. Just because the reckless endangerment charge was specifically mentioned, it does not necessarily mean there were not other charges filed. Police often make multiple charges, like lesser-included offenses, so that the defendant's act will fall under one of them if the legal requirements are not met for the others, if they are not sure of the best charge to make (the district attorney knows and can decide), or to have something to plea bargain with.
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