As stated in the episode, Theodore Roosevelt and Jacob August Riis (photojournalist who was well-known for documenting the poor in tenement housing) did go out into the city in an unassuming guise in order to see the unvarnished truth about the denizens of the city. Before that time, the closest example of a leader who were willing to go to great lengths to understand the concerns of their subjects could be found in William Shakespeare "Henry V". King Henry visits the English camp in disguise, walks among his troops listening to what they are saying and feeling for the sake of the common good.
Stephanie Kurtzuba reprises her role as McNichols, except her character becomes a Captain of the precinct house, otherwise known as a "white shirt"