The character, Detective Lennie Briscoe announced his retirement from the NYPD in the season 14 episode called 'C.O.D.', originally aired 6/19/04. Following his retirement, Briscoe takes a job as an investigator for the NY DA's office in the series 'Law and Order: Trial by Jury'. After appearing in one episode of the series, the actor Jerry Orbach died of cancer at the age of 69 in December 2004.
Detective
Law & Order: Trial by Jury
He retired.
Because he retired in real life.
He wanted to pursure other roles.
Detective
Here's one vote for Lennie Briscoe.
Jerry Orbach played the character Detective Lennie Briscoe on the TV show Law and Order.
Law & Order: Trial by Jury
He retired.
George and Lennie had to flee from Weed because Lennie unintentionally scared a young woman while trying to touch her soft dress, which led to accusations of assault. Knowing the consequences of Lennie's actions, they had to leave quickly to avoid trouble with the law.
Because he retired in real life.
He wanted to pursure other roles.
Jerry Orbach, who played Detective Lennie Briscoe for 12 seasons of Law and Order was already a Broadway and off Broadway star and Tony award winner when he began his L&O role.
She wanted to do her own series, Crossing Jordan.
Jamey Sheridan left Law and Order Criminal Intent due to health issues. Sheridan is suffering from Bell's palsy and asked to be written out of the show.
George and Lennie left their job in Weed because Lennie's uncontrollable strength and fascination with soft things led to a misunderstanding and a dangerous situation. They had to flee to avoid trouble with the law.