Cassidy left the Special Victims Unit after a series of personal and professional challenges. He later returned for a brief period but ultimately left the force to start a new chapter in his life.
Detective Brian Cassidy, portrayed by Dean Winters, first appeared in the inaugural season of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” As an original member of the SVU, Cassidy’s inexperience and sensitivity to the nature of the sex crimes they investigated often affected him deeply. After a controversial shooting during an undercover assignment, he left the unit at the end of Season 1.
Cassidy returned in Season 13 as an undercover detective working for a different unit, crossing paths with the SVU on a case. His character was further developed, revealing the impact of his years undercover on his mental health. He rekindled a romantic relationship with Detective Olivia Benson, which added complexity to his storyline.
In Season 15, Cassidy was falsely accused of rape, which led to a tense trial. He was eventually exonerated, but the experience left a lasting mark on him. He continued to appear sporadically, assisting the SVU with cases that required his unique expertise.
Ultimately, Cassidy decided to leave the NYPD in Season 19. His departure was not marked by a dramatic event but rather a realization that his time as a police officer had come to an end. He wanted to pursue a life less burdened by the trauma of his work in law enforcement. His final scenes showed him moving on, suggesting a hopeful future for the character outside of the SVU.