Ray Thurman

**Deputy Inspector Ray Thurman** is the deputy inspector and the current boss of Sergeant Ayanna Bell.

## History

### Season 3

At the precinct, Bell meets Thurman who tells her that he wants to be called by his first name. Thurman tells Bell that he was so excited to meet her, as turning down the promotion gave him the job. Thurman tells Bell that he is a fan of hers and mentions that the department is looking for a temporary replacement. Stabler then enters the precinct when everyone starts clapping. Bell then introduces Thurman to Stabler who seems to have a great deal of respect for Stabler. When Thurman tells Stabler that he's heard wonderful things about him, Stabler asks him if he is talking about the right guy. Thurman then shares his excitement one last time before leaving the precinct. (OC: "Trap")

After two Miami detectives enter the squadroom, Thurman tells Bell that they are here to assist with the case and that he wants Stabler to make them feel welcome. Bell then tells Stabler to be friendly with the detectives. Later, after Stabler goes undercover to bust Antonio Duran, Thurman becomes worried about the amount of money they are lending Stabler for the assignment. Bell tells Thurman that they are sure they will take down Duran. Later, after Stabler and Whelan get into an argument, Thurman shows up and tells Stabler and Whelan that Duran has gone missing. Thurman tells them that they think they got Cristobal which is enough and that the case is in the hands of the Drug Enforcement Agency. Later, after closing the case and arresting Bernanda for Duran’s murder, Bell starts researching Thurman on the internet but doesn’t end up finding anything. (OC: “The Infiltration Game”)

While Bell investigates her partner's murder, Bell talks to Thurman who tells Bell that her partner's murder is a cold case. Thurman also told Bell that he didn't want her going after Murphy because it would be pointless. Thurman mentions that the FBI, DEA and several NYPD divisions have tried taking down Murphy but failed to do so. Thurman then mentions that Murphy has gotten away before and he didn't want to waste the money or the manpower. Bell then confronts Thurman about the lies that he told her and claims that she will be going after Murphy. Thurman then warns Bell to be careful. (OC: "Partners In Crime")

While Jet continues her undercover mission to bust Murphy, Stabler tells Bell that he wants her to ask Thurman for help with the case before Whelan suggests that they try to get Murphy to make a deal. Bell then goes to Thurman and tells him that Murphy's police academy ring proves her instincts were right. Thurman tells Bell that he is worried about her judgement before Bell asks Thurman for extra bodies. Thurman refuses and tells Bell that IAB is investigating her. Thurman tells Bell that he went to IAB and told them that he didn't understand why she turned the promotion to deputy inspector down. (OC: "Punch Drunk")

After Jet gets rescued and Stabler ends up shooting Seamus, Thurman meets with Bell and Stabler in the hospital. Thurman notifies them that Teddy has escaped and orders Stabler to track him down and find him. Later, after arresting and interrogating Murphy, Thurman arrives at the precinct and notifies Bell and Stabler that the FBI is seizing all the case files and that Murphy is a protected informant. Bell then refuses to let them take her photos of Darryl. (OC: "All In The Game")

After Whelan insists on throwing Jet a surprise party, Thurman tells them that he can't make it because he has to talk to politicians. However, the task force end up surprising Jet who wants them to put the camera away. Thurman attempts to congratulate her on the phone but he gets interrupted by gunshots. At the scene of the crime, Thurman claims that his friends are depending on Bell to solve the case. Later, Thurman meets with Stabler and Bell in Lin's office, where Stabler and Bell update Thurman and Lin on their progress in the case. Later, Thurman thanks Lin and Bell shows up claiming that she was supposed to be looped in. Bell finds out that Yuze's prints are on the gun and Thurman claims that it's a win for all of them. Stabler tells Thurman that Yuze was in jail when Mei got shot. Thurman insists that this is final and he wants to acknowledge them before telling them that Jennifer woke up from her coma. However, Stabler and Bell don't buy it. (OC: "Chinatown")

After Quan comes under investigation for human trafficking, Quan announces that they are donating money to the 4th Precinct in order for them to put an end to the human trafficking scheme. Thurman then warns Bell that if she is wrong about Quan, this will turn into a firestorm. Thurman tells Bell that he can't protect them again and he can't justify getting money for this mission. Bell tells Thurman that if Quan wants to put an end to human trafficking, they should get the money from him. (OC: "Blood Ties")

Thurman meets with Bell and the head of counterintelligence in her office. When Thurman leaves Bell's office, Thurman calls out to Stabler to introduce him to the head of counterintelligence. Thurman then sits down with the head of counterintelligence and the task force while he updates Thurman and the task force on the case involving Diya Laghari. Stabler then ends up getting assigned to protect Diya from any threats or attacks on her. (OC: "A Diplomatic Solution")

## Appearances

* Law & Order: Organized Crime
	+ Season 3: "Trap" • "The Infiltration Game" • "Partners In Crime" • "Punch Drunk" • "All In The Game" • "Chinatown" • "Blood Ties" • "A Diplomatic Solution"