 Meanwhile, Benson anxiously awaits for the return of Detective Stabler (Christopher Meloni), who was put on administrative leave after the squad room shooting. After noticing two detectives from the Internal Affairs Board in the squad room, Benson reminds Captain Donald Cragen (Dann Florek) that the shooting was justified. However, Cragen tells Benson that Stabler will have to submit a psychiatric exam before he can return to work, having been involved in five prior shootings. At the end, Cragen informs her that Stabler has filed his retirement papers, leaving the NYPD for good. Stunned, Benson leaves for the interrogation room and breaks down in tears.
