Keeping the Faith

As stated in the episode, Theodore Roosevelt and Jacob August Riis (photojournalist who was well-known for documenting the poor in tenement housing) did go out into the city in an unassuming guise in order to see the unvarnished truth about the denizens of the city. Before that time, the closest example of a leader who were willing to go to great lengths to understand the concerns of their subjects could be found in William Shakespeare "Henry V". King Henry visits the English camp in disguise, walks among his troops listening to what they are saying and feeling for the sake of the common good.

Stephanie Kurtzuba appears in this episode as Captain McNichols. She was a Sergeant just last season in Episode 18. Before becoming a Captain in the NYPD, one must attain the rank of Lieutenant. Once that rank is achieved an officer must serve at least 2 years before being eligible to even take the Captain's exam. McNichols' change in rank is inconsistent with the show's timeline.