The dialogue used in the mock interrogations is almost an exact match for the writing of similar introductions to the interrogation process in the book Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets. Each speech is crafted from paragraphs in the book where David Simon illustrates the detective's method for getting someone to confess in "The Box".
According to series writers James Yoshimura and Eric Overmyer, actors Reed Diamond and Max Perlich hated each other.
The 'documentary' captures a foot chase that runs right through a film shoot headed by director Barry Levinson - executive producer, and occasional director and writer of 'Homicide Life on the Street'. .
According to the DVD commentary, the main criminal was originally supposed to be much darker, and his crimes considerably creepier. It was changed due to studio interference; ironic for an episode centered on uncovering the truth, no matter how unpleasant and uncomfortable.
This episode takes place from December 31, 1996 to January 1, 1997.