These tones are a form of sound bridge, serving a few purposes:
* Transition: They mark the end of one scene and the beginning of another, helping the audience understand the shift in time or location.
* Pace and Tension: The sharp, dissonant tones create a sense of urgency and suspense, reflecting the nature of the show's subject matter.
* Signature: The tones have become an iconic element of the Law and Order franchise, instantly recognizable to viewers.
The sound design was created by Dennis McCarthy, the show's original sound editor, and it has been used consistently throughout the entire series and its various spin-offs.