Octavio Pisano is a Mexican-born American actor.[1] He currently plays Joe Velasco on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and prior to that was in Coyoteand the indie filmMs. Purple.[2] He has also appeared in one episode of the Law & Order: Organized Crime spin-off.[3] He was promoted to series regular in SVU after his first three appearances.[4] The character of Velasco was introduced in the 23rd season of SVU as an undercover cop from Ciudad Juarez.[5]