Archive: Law & Order - Police K-9 Unit (G.I. Joe: Renegades)

Law & Order were released in the winter of 2011 as part of the fourth wave of figures in the G.I. Joe 30th Anniversary line. The 30th Anniversary line celebrates 30 years since the release of the modern, 3-3/4-inch G.I. Joe action figure. As part of the celebration, Hasbro not only included figures of classic characters from the 1982 A Real American Hero comic and television series, but also those from the G.I. Joe: Renegades animated series.

The retail version of Law has some noticable differences when compared to the prototype revealed at G.I. JoeCon 2011. These differences give us some insight on how design changes impact the figure production process and are quite fascinating when analyzed. If you look closely at the prototype, you'll notice that while  the upper half of Law's design remains the same, the lower half differs. Not only are the legs a different color, but they use an entirely different tooling, which includes a holster. This may explain why the flashlight and walkie-talkie (that would have presumably fit into the hole a on the back, lower, left side of Law's vest) were omiitted in favor of the additional pistol with suppressor. While it's safe to assume that cost-cutting played a role in the omission of the alternate balaclava-masked head, it's also a good bet that the "MP" designation first shown printed on Law's face shield was moved to his helmet to keep the aesthetic closer in appearance to the 1987 figure.

Release Date: 2011
Retail Price: $6.99
Accessories: helmet, face shield, tactical vest, knee pads (2), revolver, pistol, suppressor, tonfa baton, handcuffs, assault rifle (2), German Shepard Dog with leash, display stand with G.I. Joe logo (LAW & ORDER)

Hi-Res Photos

Did You Know? In many jurisdictions in the United States, police dogs are sworn-in, badge-holding members of the force. Police dogs are always almost cared for by their handlers and a growing number of dogs now wear ballistics vests while on duty.

Law & Order

Police K-9 Unit
Name: Christopher M. Lavine
Grade: Officer
Birthplace: Houston, Texas
Primary Weapon: German Shepherd Guard Dog
Combat Gear: Tactical Helmet, Face Shield, Tonfa, Dog Leash, Shotgun, Pistol, Handcuffs, Electroshock Weapons, Radio, Flashlight

Law works as a prison guard with his canine partner, Order. A rookie at the prison, Law is honest and fair. He refuses to join the corrupt warden and guards who hold illegal cage fights between prisoners. Law and Order encounter the Renegades when Duke is arrested after being mistaken for a member of a chop shop ring.