La Royce Hawkins Exits Chicago PD After 13 Seasons

La Royce Hawkins, a foundational cast member of Chicago PD, is set to exit the series during its upcoming 14th season after a 13-season tenure playing Kevin Atwater.

Viewers will witness the conclusion of Atwater's character arc within the first few episodes of season 14. His storyline in season 13 involved reconnecting with an ex-colleague, Tasha Fox, who later revealed she was pregnant, leaving them to consider balancing careers and parenthood.

Hawkins' departure signifies a potential decision for Atwater to leave Chicago, despite Fox's prior dislike for Miami. He was one of the original cast members, experiencing significant plot points including a racially charged controversy and personal family challenges.

The show's producers are actively searching for a new series regular, described as a "Black cop who is an agent of chaos." This casting move comes as the Chicago franchise, which began with Chicago Fire in 2012, continues to evolve.

Hawkins' exit follows other notable departures, including Toya Turner and, in recent years, Jesse Lee Soffer and Tracy Spiridakos, although Soffer and Spiridakos made guest appearances for a crossover event in 2026.