Chicago PD: Will Atwater get promoted to detective?

Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins) is going to play a crucial role in the last few episodes of Chicago PD season 11. He’s already been forced to navigate some complicated case details with his father, and now he’s going to be stepping up and trying to help Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger) nab a group of racist domestic terrorists.

It’s more responsibility than Atwater, or any officer, for that matter, is used to, so it’s logical to wonder whether he will be rewarded for his efforts with a promotion. Atwater has been a member of the IU for a decade now, so a promotion isn’t out of the question. Will it happen before the S11 finale?

Is Awater getting promoted on Chicago PD?

Hawkins talked about his character’s trajectory during a recent interview with CinemaBlend. He pointed out that things are going to become strenuous for the IU as a whole in the upcoming episodes, and that Atwater will really prove himself to be a valuable member.

“You’ll watch Atwater step up and find himself in pockets where he can show what he’s got and I think we’re getting closer and closer,” the actor told the outlet. It’s a neat reversal of the first half of season 11, where Atwater was mostly sidelined and used as a supporting character for other IU members like Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer) or Upton (Tracy Spiridakos).

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Then there’s the possibility of Atwater getting his detective badge. Several IU characters are looking to take the next step in their careers, and Atwater is no different. How close is he to finally earning the next shield up? According to Hawkins, very.

"“I absolutely think it’s time,” he opined. “That’s the first thing that Atwater thinks about when he wakes up. He’s like, ‘Man, I might be detective any day now.’ I think he feels like any day it can happen.”"

It’s an exciting and surprisingly candid answer, which leads us to believe that bright things are in store for Atwater’s immediate future. It’ll be nice to see things go his away, seeing as he’s had to deal with heartbreak and familial strife over the last few seasons.

For the latest Chicago PD season 10 spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago PD category at One Chicago Center.