A major change is coming to the Intelligence Unit. After 13 seasons on NBC’s Chicago P.D., original cast member LaRoyce Hawkins is leaving the show. He will return for a few episodes in Season 14 to finish his character’s story.
Hawkins’ Departure as a Series Regular
LaRoyce Hawkins has played Officer Kevin Atwater since the show began in 2014. Reports confirm that the actor will step away as a series regular during the upcoming season.
He is expected to appear in the first two or three episodes of Season 14 to wrap up Atwater’s storyline. The exact details of how his character leaves the show are still private, but the show is already looking for a new regular cast member to fill the void.
“I’ve had some great roles over time and I’ve been able to learn from all of them in different ways, but the longevity and the consistency that I’ve been able to create with learning from Kevin Atwater has really strengthened my confidence more than anything.”
The 38-year-old actor is the latest original cast member to exit the long-running drama. Jesse Lee Soffer left in 2022, and Tracy Spiridakos departed in 2024. Cast changes have become common on the Chicago shows, with Toya Turner also leaving after one season as Officer Kiana Cook before Season 13.
Why Kevin Atwater Might Leave Chicago
Atwater’s story in Season 13 set up a possible reason for his exit. He reconnected with Officer Tasha Fox, an old friend who later became his girlfriend. Their relationship faced a major challenge when Tasha revealed she was moving to Miami for a new job.
Before Atwater woke up the next morning, Tasha left. She left behind an orange as a reminder of her new home in Florida and invited him to join her. Throughout the season, Atwater wanted to contact her. He even started writing texts saying he missed her, but he never sent them.
In Episode 11, Tasha returned to Chicago and told Atwater she was pregnant with their first child. This news has led many to believe that Atwater will leave Chicago to be with Tasha and their baby in Miami. It would be a fitting end for a character who has often put his career first but finally found a chance for personal happiness.
The Search for a New Character
Chicago P.D. is currently looking for a new series regular to take a spot in the Intelligence Unit. According to reports, they are casting for a Black police officer described as “an agent of chaos.” This new character will likely play a big role in the team’s dynamic moving forward.
Hawkins’ Time on the Show
LaRoyce Hawkins has been a constant presence on Chicago P.D. since the first episode. He played Atwater as a member of Hank Voight’s Intelligence Unit, working alongside Adam Ruzek, Kim Burgess, Dante Torres, and others. His character was known for being loyal and honest, and fans often talked about his personal life and relationships.
Hawkins has also appeared in other series, including a Marvel series for Disney+ called Ironheart, as well as Power Book IV: Force and Ballers.
“The nature of the role being a first responder, being the only Black cop in the unit, it’s a combination of so many things that, honestly, really contributes to feeling very confident and grateful in my skillset over time.”
The actor reflected on his time on the show while speaking to People for its 2025 Sexiest Man Alive issue. He shared how the role strengthened his confidence and allowed him to grow as an actor.
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When Chicago P.D. Season 14 Premieres
Chicago P.D. Season 14 will premiere on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. The show will air at 10 p.m. ET on NBC, with episodes available to stream the next day on Peacock. The new season is part of NBC’s “Windy City Wednesday” lineup, which also includes the returns of Chicago Med and Chicago Fire.
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