Overview

• In the latest episode, the series confirms that Joe Velasco departs the squad through a DEA recruitment that moves him to the West Coast.
• Within the storyline, leadership signs off on the transfer after DEA agents seek Velasco for ongoing undercover work tied to cartel cases.
• Velasco discusses the opportunity with Captain Olivia Benson and frames the move as a chance to do the most good.
• Octavio Pisano appears in three Season 27 episodes before the sendoff, bringing his total to 79 episodes since joining in Season 23.
• The episode delivers the planned on-screen exit first reported in May, with NBC’s promo also signaling help on the way for the squad.