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)
Visible crew/equipment: As Detectives Munch and Jeffries enter the subway train where a rape took place, one of the cameras is noticeable just behind them.
Visible crew/equipment: As Olivia and Elliot are talking to the medical examiner about the cause of death of their victim, an overhead microphone is blatantly visible. (00:11:18)
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: After the Undercover Stabler hangs up the phone and explains the scheme to Cabot and Cragen, he passes in front of a mirror to sit. In the reflection of the mirror you can see a microphone hanging overhead. (00:25:40)
Visible crew/equipment: When Benson and Stabler are interrogating Jesse, there is an overhead mic visible in the mirror behind them. (00:27:15)
Redemption - S3-E6
Visible crew/equipment: While Detective Stabler and Hawkins talk on the sidewalk, the shadow of a boom mic can be seen on Stabler's shoulder. (00:19:55)
Visible crew/equipment: After Picard headbutts Stabler into the car window and runs away, Benson runs over to comfort him. As she cradles him, the reflection in the side of the car shows the camera person filming as the shot gets closer. (00:14:05)
Visible crew/equipment: As Stabler is bringing Saul Picard to the cop car after finding him in the park, a large boom mic is visible in the reflection of the car's window as Stabler opens the door. (00:13:40)
Visible crew/equipment: Stabler and Benson are with Christina in the interrogation room. Christina stands up to look out the window. Shortly after, she walks away from Stabler towards the foreground camera. As she does this, an overhead microphone is briefly visible in the mirror on the left. (00:35:55)
Visible crew/equipment: When the detectives are executing a search of Daniel's home, Benson is talking to his fiance. As she moves in front of the television, the reflection in the TV shows a crew member's legs moving alongside her. (00:25:10)
Visible crew/equipment: Tutuola is speaking with Violet Tremain, the mother of Cherish Doe in a room at the station. As she stands up, a microphone pole is visible in the mirror behind her. (00:09:55)
Visible crew/equipment: When Benson and Tutuola make a visit to M.E. Warner, the reflection in the glass shows a crew member holding a microphone. (00:20:10)
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: As Benson and Stabler are interviewing the grandmother, the mirror behind Stabler briefly shows a microphone that peeks into view. (00:34:00)
Visible crew/equipment: As Benson and Stabler are walking along the sidewalk talking to the manager of the locksmith company, they pass by two red vans and stop in front of the second one. In the reflection of the van and the window there is a boom mic and a cameraman blatantly visible for more than 15 seconds. (00:18:05)
Visible crew/equipment: Benson and Stabler are arriving at Judge Thornburg's place of residence as they learn he's been shot. As their vehicle squeals to a stop, you can see multiple crew members and equipment in the reflection of their maroon car. (00:19:00)
Visible crew/equipment: After Cragen and Cabot meet with and Mark Sanford and his attorney, Cragen storms out of the building, followed by Cabot. As the camera pans following them, you can see the reflection of a microphone in the reflection of the windows of the silver car in the foreground. (00:18:00)
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.
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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