Created by Emmy Award-winning producer Dick Wolf, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" is now in its 13th season. The program has received numerous accolades from community-based organizations for the social issues it tackles, and cast members are frequently recognized for the work they do off-screen to promote personal health and safety and other volunteer efforts and initiatives.

This hard-hitting and emotional series from NBC's "Law & Order" brand chronicles the life and crimes of the Special Victims Unit of the New York City Police Department, an elite squad of detectives who investigate sexually based crimes. Dedicated Detective Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay), a seasoned veteran of the unit who has seen it all, heads up the department with empathy and professionalism, all the while dealing with her difficult past - as a product of rape and a witness to her mother's grief, she can personally relate to each victim she tries to help.

In 2011, Hargitay (Detective Benson) garnered her eighth Emmy nomination for Lead Actress in a Drama Series, and won the 2006 Emmy for that category. Also in 2011, she received her sixth SAG nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Detective Benson. In 2009, Hargitay earned her second Golden Globe nomination for Lead Actress in a Drama Series for the role, winning the award in 2005.

Captain Donald Cragen, (Dann Florek, reprising the role he played on the first three seasons of "Law & Order" 1990-1993), oversees the unit with a tough but supportive approach to the team's complex cases, guiding the squad through the challenges they face every day. Sergeant John Munch, (Richard Belzer, "Homicide: Life on the Street"), a transfer from Baltimore's homicide unit, brings his acerbic wit, conspiracy theories and street-honed investigative skills to the team. Detective Odafin "Fin" Tutuola (Ice-T) adds a unique sense of humor and undercover investigative experience, making him a formidable match for any partner.

New to the squad are Detectives Nick Amaro (Danny Pino) and Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish), who bring their own talents and style of investigation, all the while learning the ropes from senior detectives and facing head-on the emotional toll it takes to work the SVU.

"SVU" has been continually acknowledged for its guest players, with Ann-Margret winning an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series in 2010. In 2009, Ellen Burstyn won the Guest Actress award while fellow SVU guest stars Brenda Blethyn and Carol Burnett were also nominated. In 2008, Cynthia Nixon won an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series and Robin Williams earned a nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for their guest roles on "SVU." Leslie Caron was also awarded an Emmy at the 2007 Creative Arts Emmys for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." In 2007, the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards nominated "SVU"'s "Sin" for an Outstanding Individual Episode. In addition, Richard Belzer was nominated for a 2007 People's Choice Award for Favorite Scene Stealing Star, and "Law & Order: SVU" was nominated for Best Drama. In 2012, the show won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Drama Series.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" is a Wolf Films production in association with Universal Television. Dick Wolf is creator and executive producer; Peter Jankowski and Warren Leight are executive producers.

SVU credits:

Day & time: Wednesdays (10 -11 p.m. ET) on NBC

Premiere date: September 20, 1999

Starring: Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Dann Florek, Richard Belzer, Danny Pino, Kelli Giddish

Executive producers: Dick Wolf, Peter Jankowski, Warren Leight

Created by: Dick Wolf

Co-executive producers: Arthur Forney, Julie Martin, Bryan Goluboff

Produced by: David DeClerque

Producer: Gail Barringer, Robin Veith

Co-Producer: Jonathan Strauss

Associate Producer: Michael Ciliento, Mark Dragin

Story Editor: David Matthews

Staff Writer: John Roche

Directors: Arthur Forney, Tom DiCillo, Fred Berner, Michael Slovis, Jim McKay, Peter Leto, Courtney Hunt, Alex Chapple, Jean de Segonzac, Gus Makris, Mike Smith, Jonathan Kaplan, Holly Dale, Norberto Barba, Rosemary Rodriguez

Director of photography: Michael Green

Editors: Jim Stewart, Leon Ortiz-Gill, and Karen Stern

Production designer: Dean Taucher

Costume designer: Tina Nigro

Casting directors: Lynn Kressel Casting and Jonathan Strauss

Music composer: Mike Post

Origination: New York, NY

Produced by: Wolf Films in association with Universal Media Studios

NBC Media Contact: Sharon Pannozzo