LaRoyce Hawkins, a mainstay on NBC's "Chicago P.D." since its 2014 premiere, is exiting the series as a regular cast member. Hawkins, who played Officer Kevin Atwater for 13 seasons, will return for the initial episodes of the upcoming 14th season to conclude his character's arc.
Sources indicate that the production is actively seeking a new series regular, described as "a Black cop who is an agent of chaos." A representative for Wolf Entertainment, which produces the series alongside Universal Television, declined to comment.
The departure of Hawkins follows a trend of original cast members leaving the popular police procedural. Tracy Spiridakos, who played Detective Hailey Upton, departed in 2024, and Jesse Lee Soffer, who portrayed Jay Halstead, left the show in 2022.
Hawkins, 38, reflected on his initial casting in a joint interview clip with Wolf Entertainment, describing the opportunity as "amazing" and "almost like prayers had been answered." He expressed a feeling that "something was on the way" prior to joining the cast.
Fans have voiced their dismay on social media regarding Hawkins' impending exit. Comments ranged from disbelief to strong declarations of no longer watching the series without his presence.
Beyond "Chicago P.D.," Hawkins has also held a recurring role in HBO Max's "South Side" and appeared in the BET+ film "North of the 10." He previously shared with People in 2025 that his role as Atwater had significantly strengthened his confidence. "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," Hawkins stated. He further elaborated that the nature of his role as a first responder and the sole Black officer in the unit contributed to his self-assurance and comfort on camera, crediting the show's longevity for providing the space to learn and grow.