Pixies (a.k.a. Little Women) - S2-E9
Visible crew/equipment: When Benson and Stabler are questioning Kyle Hubert about Kristi, there is a shot where the detectives are being shown through a large mirror in the background. A large camera is visible in the mirror on the left-hand side, next to Benson.
Visible crew/equipment: When Munch and Tutuola are 'apologizing' to the campus security cop, they all walk through a doorway with an open door. In the window of this door, you can see a crew member mirrored from behind, holding a overhead microphone (possibly a light), using a long pole.
Secrets (a.k.a. Apartment to Die For) - S2-E12
Visible crew/equipment: After the detectives bring in the fifteen adults from the swingers' club to the police station, Benson and Stabler bring in one of the men to the interrogation room. Right when they enter, an overhead microphone is visible in the top left-hand corner of the mirror behind them.
Visible crew/equipment: When the ex cop is brought in, as he's sitting down to talk with Elliot, the microphone box/equipment is visible on the back of his pants. (00:29:20)
Visible crew/equipment: Munch and Tutuola have just arrived at Victor Coe's apartment. As they enter the living room there is a mirror on the right hand side. In the reflection you can see a man holding a camera. (00:14:05)
Visible crew/equipment: As two men chase after a kidnapper's SUV one actor's microphone is falling from his jacket, the actor trips and as he stands up he quickly tries to wrangle the microphone back up by its wire. (00:01:08)
Visible crew/equipment: While Benson and Stabler apprehend their suspect in a church, at least one crew member appears on the right side of the frame for about 5 seconds where no one should be. (00:25:45)
Answer: I didn't see the show so I don't know the details. A general answer would be because a reckless endangerment charge is easier to prove "beyond a Reasonable Doubt" in court and get a conviction. This charge would not require the prosecutor to prove intent, which would be required for proving aggravated or simple assault. Also, if there were no visible injuries, it is difficult to show bodily injury. Just because the reckless endangerment charge was specifically mentioned, it does not necessarily mean there were not other charges filed. Police often make multiple charges, like lesser-included offenses, so that the defendant's act will fall under one of them if the legal requirements are not met for the others, if they are not sure of the best charge to make (the district attorney knows and can decide), or to have something to plea bargain with.
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