<P> In the season 16 finale , Amaro plans to take the sergeant 's exam and move up the ranks . However , Benson tells him that , because of his history of misconduct accusations , the NYPD will never promote him no matter how well he does ; angered , Amaro throws his study materials in the garbage . Shortly thereafter , Amaro is involved in a courtroom shootout with Johnny Drake , a brutal sex trafficker and pimp ( who is also the biological father of Benson 's adopted son ) . Drake dies from his injuries , while Amaro is hit in the liver and knee . Amaro survives the shootout and is seen in crutches at the end of the episode , requiring three months of physical therapy . He reveals to Benson that he intends to retire from the NYPD because his inability to move up the ranks , in addition to his injuries , makes him ineffective as a cop . He plans to move to California , since Maria is now in Los Angeles with Zara , and Cynthia is planning to move to San Diego with Gil . </P>
<P> In the season 16 finale , Amaro plans to take the sergeant 's exam and move up the ranks . However , Benson tells him that , because of his history of misconduct accusations , the NYPD will never promote him no matter how well he does ; angered , Amaro throws his study materials in the garbage . Shortly thereafter , Amaro is involved in a courtroom shootout with Johnny Drake , a brutal sex trafficker and pimp ( who is also the biological father of Benson 's adopted son ) . Drake dies from his injuries , while Amaro is hit in the liver and knee . Amaro survives the shootout and is seen in crutches at the end of the episode , requiring three months of physical therapy . He reveals to Benson that he intends to retire from the NYPD because his inability to move up the ranks , in addition to his injuries , makes him ineffective as a cop . He plans to move to California , since Maria is now in Los Angeles with Zara , and Cynthia is planning to move to San Diego with Gil . </P>
when does nick amaro leave law and order
when does nick amaro leave law and order
season 16
season 16