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Kevin Atwater, portrayed by LaRoyce Hawkins on Chicago PD, has earned a beloved status among fans with his relentless dedication to justice and his complex family backstory. However, recent episodes and storyline shifts have sparked rumors that Atwater may soon be leaving the Intelligence Unit—or even Chicago PD altogether.
Hints of Atwater's internal conflict over his role in law enforcement, his struggle with systemic issues within the CPD, and his family responsibilities have all contributed to the fan speculation.
As a detective in the Intelligence Unit, Atwater's road has been lined with testing challenges: family dynamics, standing up to systemic issues within the police, and so much more. While engaged with the series, fans have eagerly followed his development into that respected, morally grounded member of the team.
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Recent episodes, however, have seen a lot of conversation in the storylines and key character moves regarding Atwater's future with the Intelligence Unit—and the series, for that matter. NBC has made no official announcement regarding its plans to let Hawkins go, but some recent turns in the storyline led viewers to wonder if Atwater's leaving the unit for good, or at least for a little while.
Has Atwater’s role in the Intelligence Unit changed on Chicago PD?
Atwater’s position within the Intelligence Unit has evolved significantly since his initial role as a beat officer in season 1. After being promoted to Detective in season 7, Atwater has faced new challenges that showcase his personal integrity and unwavering moral compass.
In season 9 episode 8 ("Fractures"), he found himself grappling with racial bias within his own department when he was accused of profiling a black suspect. This incident deeply affected him, causing him to question his place in the force and setting the stage for a potential exit from the unit.
Season 10 continued to push Atwater’s boundaries. It highlighted the clash between Atwater’s values and the realities of his job, adding more weight to fans’ concerns that he might consider a career change.
How does Atwater’s family background influence his future on Chicago PD?
Atwater’s family history has been a defining aspect of his character and remains a significant source of emotional conflict. Raised in challenging circumstances after his father’s incarceration and his mother’s death, Atwater stepped in as a guardian for his younger siblings, Vinessa and Jordan.
In season 5 episode 5 ("Home"), Atwater made the difficult choice to send his siblings to live with their aunt in Texas to protect them from the dangers associated with his work in Chicago.
His need to shield his family from harm and his desire to be present in their lives have often clashed with his high-risk job in the Intelligence Unit. In Season 11, fans saw Atwater’s concern for his family resurface when he started questioning whether his career might be putting his loved ones at risk once again.
His sense of responsibility toward Vinessa and Jordan is a recurring theme, leading fans to wonder if Atwater will choose family over the force and seek a safer path.
Could Atwater be seeking a fresh start on Chicago PD?
Atwater’s growing disillusionment with his role in the CPD has become more evident as he confronts issues of racial injustice and corruption. His commitment to justice often puts him at odds with Sergeant Voight, who has been known for his unorthodox and, at times, morally questionable methods.
Fans have speculated that Atwater’s internal conflict and desire to make a more significant impact in his community may lead him to seek a fresh start outside the Intelligence Unit or even beyond law enforcement.
While the show has not confirmed any changes to his character’s arc, the recent storylines indicate that Atwater’s journey might be heading in a new direction, leaving fans to wonder if his departure from Chicago P.D. is on the horizon.
Fans can watch Chicago PD season 12 on NBC and Peacock.
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