The plot and structure of this episode came about when the the showrunners needed to account for two unusual cast requirements: 1) Rob Morrow needed to work an abbreviated schedule on the episode because he had to leave to shoot a movie, and 2) Diane Farr was by that time very visibly pregnant and due to go into labor at any time, so her un-pregnant character needed to be able to sit the whole time and disguise her midriff with desks, computers, and other obstacles. The time frame of the plot was designed to be a short-enough period so that it wouldn't seem unnatural for Don (Rob Morrow) to be incommunicado or Megan (Diane Farr) to be seated.
Che Lobo is under investigation for a number of cases, and is tagged as 18th Street Mexicali, a gang also involved in End of Watch (2007).