Is Kevin Atwater leaving Chicago PD?

Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins) had an emotionally taxing episode this week on Chicago PD. The typically cool police officer was forced to confront ugly truths about the legal system, racism, and the unfair treatment that some suspects are forced to endure.

Atwater’s frustration is compounded by the arrival of Celeste (Amanda Payton), a teacher and activist who stands in opposition to police, and who Atwater has purposely hid his profession from. This deception has led some fans to question whether Atwater is headed for a crisis, and considering leaving the force for good.

Like any good investigator, we’ve parceled through the evidence and determined whether or not Atwater is looking for an exit from Chicago PD.

Is LaRoyce Hawkins leaving Chicago PD?

No, the character is not going anywhere. Hawkins has not mentioned any plans to leave the show, and the hints we’ve gotten about his character’s storyline guarantee that he will stick around for the foreseeable future.

During a recent interview with TV Line, Chicago PD showrunner Rich Eid discussed the role that love will play in his character’s life moving forward. Given Atwater’s rocky history with romance, it will be a welcome change of pace.

“He meets a dynamic young woman, and their bond is fun and really unique,” Eid revealed. “For Atwater, it’s a welcome, needed respite. It also becomes this safe space for the pair to be their true selves. But of course, things will be complicated, as any relationship on this show tends to be. It’ll be a great ride for his character.”

Given that the season 9 episode “Burnside” has introduced Celeste as a love interest, it’s likely that she’s the woman Eid hinted at. Her believes clash with Atwater’s from the very beginning, particularly when it comes to opinions about the law, but they have an undeniable chemistry.

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The biggest hurdle that Atwater will to overcome in season 9 will be his dishonesty. He nearly told Celeste about his badge in the final moments of the episode, but she cut him off and commended him for his decency. He clammed up, and went along with the charade.

Keeping a secret that big would definitely quality as the “complicated” element that Eid teased, and it’s setting up a level of drama that we haven’t really gotten to see from Atwater in a while. The character was shown looking at a property to buy at various points in “Burnside” so the desire to settle down and start a family is at the forefront of his mind.

We’re glad Atwater isn’t leaving Chicago PD, because it looks like there’s still plenty for the character to figure out.

For the latest Chicago PD season 9 spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago PD category at One Chicago Center.