Ep 22. Computer Crime

Barney Miller season 5 episode 22, titled "Computer Crime," opens with the detectives of the 12th precinct getting acclimated to their new computer system. The officers are split on how they feel about the new technology, with some embracing the new system and others feeling like it's going to make their jobs harder.

Unfortunately for the precinct, they quickly learn that their computer system has been hacked by someone who has been uploading pornographic images to the system. Despite their initial disbelief, it quickly becomes clear that this is a serious issue and they need to find out who is responsible.

As the detectives begin to investigate, they discover that the hacker is someone who has intimate knowledge of the precinct's computer system and is using this information to their advantage. The investigation takes a frantic turn as the team realizes that the hacker is also manipulating evidence to shift blame onto an innocent party.

The detectives' frustrations with the case escalate as they are forced to work with the tech support team that developed the computer system. Despite the tech support team's knowledge of the system, their lack of experience in law enforcement leaves the detectives feeling like they are on their own.

The investigation leads to several surprising twists and turns as the detectives discover that the motive behind the hacking extends beyond just uploading pornographic images to the precinct's system. As they get closer to identifying the hacker, tensions rise and the detectives are forced to consider risking the security of their own computer system to catch the culprit.

Throughout the episode, the detectives wrestle with the challenges of incorporating new technology into their work while also dealing with the inherent vulnerabilities of this technology. The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the need for robust cybersecurity measures and the potential dangers of relying too heavily on technology.

"Computer Crime" is an engaging and thought-provoking episode that highlights the challenges of adapting to new technologies and the importance of staying vigilant in the face of potential threats. With its twists and turns, complex characters, and intelligent writing, it's a great installment in the Barney Miller series that is sure to keep viewers engaged from start to finish.