Plot

Quitting smoking dominates the conversation ad behavior of the homicide detectives even as they solve what may be a gang-related killing of a 14-year-old boy. Lt. Giardello discovers a secret asbestos removal project on the third floor and confronts his superiors on behalf of his squad.—jeaneva

Detectives Howard (Melissa Leo) and Bayliss (Kyle Secor) attempt to give up smoking, which distracts both Felton (Daniel Baldwin) and Pembleton (Andre Braugher) from their duties. Detectives Bolander (Ned Beatty) and Munch (Richard Belzer) are called to a hospital to investigate the beating death of a 14 year old boy that is gang related, although at first they suspect the father who is an authoritarian racist and religious extremist. After all, he claimed not to know about his son's injuries--a blunt force trauma which produced a cerebral hemorrhage. After the boy's sister provides eyewitness information, they arrest a suspect and trick him into "grassing" on another gang member by claiming the copier is a lie-detector which emits sperm reducing rays. Bolander is overwhelmed by the motive given for the teen killing, a "loving" gang initiation. Detective Lewis (Clark Johnson) is very proud of his "baby," a sports car he is building, though he only has the engine so far. Meanwhile, Lt. Giardello (Yaphet Kotto) uncovers a secret asbestos removal project in the building that may prove to be a health hazard for his entire staff; he demands recompense on their behalf. A record breaking drug bust gives Munch the opportunity to enlighten Bolander on the history of hemp. Howard demands smoke-free areas in the squad room and does not allow her partner to smoke in the car, which leads to a rearrangement of partners!