<P> Amaro begins to show great concern when Rollins, a recovering gambling addict, falls off the wagon, and they grow closer . In the episode "Reasonable Doubt", he comes out of a shower in Rollins' apartment, implying that they had been intimate . In "Holden's Manifesto", a murder suspect asks them if they are sleeping together; they do not answer the question, and change the subject . </P> <P> Amaro is arrested for assaulting a suspect, Simon Wilkes (Joshua Malina), while off duty . He is then charged by the District Attorney and placed on leave . The charges are subsequently dropped, but he is demoted and reassigned to the 116th Precinct in Queens as a patrol officer . At Benson's request, he is reinstated to SVU after his by - the - book handling of the arrest of Hollywood starlet Tensley Evans (Stevie Lynn Jones). </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> <P> At the beginning of season 17, Rollins mentions that Amaro is now living in Los Angeles, undergoing physical therapy for his injuries, and angling for a position with the United States Park Police . </P>

When does nick amaro leave law and order