Is Upton leaving Chicago PD?

Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos) has had a rough season 9. The season kicked off with the officer deciding the cover up the self-defense killing of Roy Walton (Michael Maize), and the guilt over the decision haunted her throughout most of the show’s first half.

Now she’s reconsidering whether she should even be part of the IU. The episode “Still Water” dealt a huge blow to Upton in the form of a car accident, and it may lead some fans to question whether the character has plans to retire her badge.

Here’s what we know about Upton’s future with Chicago PD.

Is Hailey leaving Chicago PD?

The aforementioned car accident happened when Upton was going for a night run. She witnesses a car fall into the lake, and while she tries desperately to save both passengers, she’s only able to bring one of them to the surface.

Unfortunately, the man she saved turns out to be a dangerous stalker who kidnapped the woman in the passenger seat. Upton is shocked by the realization, especially when she’s forced to deliver the news to the woman’s husband and child.

Lack of faith in the job seems to be a recurring theme for season 9. Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins) and Ruzek (Patrick Flueger) experienced similar crises of faith when they were pulled into cases that forced them to examine their own belief systems. Upton is no different. She feels as though her inability to make the right call has compromised her as an officer.

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Ironically, its announced at the beginning of the episode that Upton is coming up on her tenth anniversary on the job– yet another reminder of the time she fears she’s wasted. It definitely feels as though the episode is leaning towards a big decision by Upton, and we watch with baited breath, wondering whether she’ll quit or decide to stay.

Fortunately, Upton chooses the latter. She gets an encouraging pep talk from Platt (Amy Morton) and is able to focus her efforts on tracking down/apprehending the kidnapper. The episode ends with a party being thrown for Upton’s ten year anniversary, and while there’s a quietness to her presence, it’s clear that she’s reached a peaceful state.

Upton isn’t going anywhere. She’s going to continue to protect, serve, and do what she can to make the rightful judgement calls in the future.

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.