What happened to Detective Jay Halstead in Chicago PD? Explained

Chicago PD is a long-running series that is part of NBC's One Chicago franchise. Premiering as a mid-season replacement on January 8, 2014, the series has since run for eleven seasons, with it being renewed for a twelfth season on March 21, 2024.

Detective Jay Halstead was a main cast member of Chicago PD from its series premiere. The character was introduced in the premiere, Stepping Stone, and was a major presence on Chicago PD before finally leaving the show in season 10.

Jay Halstead worked in the Intelligence Unit of the 21st District of Chicago's police department throughout the series. After resigning from his position, he re-enlisted in the military.

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Jay Halstead left Chicago PD after 10 seasons

Jay Halstead resigned from Chicago police in season 10. (Image via NBC)

Jay Halstead was originally an Army Ranger for the United States military's 3rd battalion. He went on to become his squad's top choice for a sniper and had a reclusive personality.

In season 10, Jay managed to reach a breaking point while working on a robbery case off the books. While confronting one of the suspects, he got into a physical altercation that led to him stabbing the perpetrator to death.

While he did so in self-defense, his faith in himself was irreparably shaken, even as Sergeant Hank Voight and Hailey Upton tried to cover for him.

After contemplating turning himself in to police chief O'Neal, Jay ultimately resigned from the Chicago Police Intelligence Unit, claiming that the moral murkiness of the job had grown too much for him. Instead, he'd return to the military, and take up an assignment in Bolivia to dismantle drug cartels.

When explaining his decision to Hailey, he said:

"It's black and white, it's good and bad, it's right and wrong, and it's no more of this. I need that. I need that back. I fly out today. It's not forever; it's eight months, maybe a little longer.

Ultimately, his exit from the series was confirmed when Hailey later learned that his overseas term had been extended.

Speaking to NBC Insider about how they handled Jay Halstead's exit, showrunner Gwen Sigan had this to say:

"We all really wanted to do justice for Halstead's character as best we could — to who he's been for the show — we really wanted to make that decision to leave his own decision. For it to come from him. It felt important to keep him alive and keep him out in the world trying to do good."

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Jay Halstead had a romance with Hailey Upton prior to his departure

Jay Halstead romance Haily Upton from seasons 8 to 10. (Image via NBC)

Hailey Upton was introduced as an officer of the Intelligence Unit in season 4 of Chicago PD. Their partnership slowly developed into a romance by season 8 of the show. By season 9, they'd gotten married.

While Jay originally planned to continue a long-distance relationship with her after leaving Chicago PD, the two would ultimately divorce by season 11 of the show.

Prior to his relationship with Hailey, Jay Halstead had been emotionally closed off and strictly professional in his demeanor. Hailey's influence prompted him to open up about his difficult childhood and his experience in the military. Hailey was also the one who encouraged him to seek professional help for his issues.

The two developed their romance throughout Chicago PD season 8, with Upton proposing to him in the season 8 finale. In season 9, he accepted her proposal, and the two got married in season 9, episode 9, with their marriage lasting for the rest of the season, up to Jay's resignation early in season 10.

Unfortunately for the couple, their long-distance relationship didn't work, and Hailey eventually took off her wedding ring in season 10, episode 20.

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Chicago PD airs on NBC and Peacock.