While the LAPD does not have a mandatory age for retirement, the fact that Mary McDonnell is 65 years old as of the air date would make her continued service unlikely, especially with a serious medical condition. Most of the other original actors in the series fall into this age category as well: G.W. Bailey, who plays Lt. Provenza is 73. Tony Denison, who plays Lt. Flynn, is 68. Michael Paul Chan, who plays Lt. Tao, is 67. A November 2007 Washington Post story found the Los Angeles Police Department had 18 officers over the age of 65 and one over the age of 71.