Warning: Spoilers for Chicago P.D. season 12Tracy Spiridakos' role as Detective Hailey Upton inChicago P.D.was considered a fan-favorite in the hit NBC drama. Upton’s relationship withDetective Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer), her father-daughter bond with Sergeant Hank Voight (Jason Beghe), and her unrelenting work ethic on challenging cases made her a standout. After seven seasons on the show, Upton’s departure fromtheChicago PDcastraised the question of who would replace her as detective and be the second highest-ranking member of the Intelligence unit.
Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati) would eventually be promoted to detectivein season 12, episode 6, “Pawns,” after years of dedicated work alongside Hank’s team.Burgess’s upgraded status is possible due to Upton’s departure and willingness to tackle more responsibility and leadershipin Intelligence. While being a detective may complicate her relationship with Adam Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger) and daughter Makayla (Ramona Edith Williams), Burgess can convince Voight she can perhaps lead the unit one day, whether it be inChicago P.Dseason 13or at some other point in the future.
Upton Leaving Paves The Way For An Intelligence Promotion
Upton’s Absence Leaves Room For Others To Grow In Intelligence
Since Upton joined Voight and his unit, she has always supported them and is devoted to her work when solving cases. Reminiscent of everyone on the team, Upton has a history of personal turmoil (including issues with her father) and gritty confrontations with a variety of criminals and murderers. However, after Halstead leaves Upton to serve in the Army in Bolivia, and she andVoight’s near-death experience against a serial killerin the season 11 finale, the detective emotionally leaves Chicago to move on to another job so she can evaluate herself and recover.
Why Tracy Spiridakos Left Chicago P.D. & What Happened To Hailey Upton
Tracy Spiridakos, who played Detective Hailey Upton in Chicago P.D., exited the NBC police procedural show following the season 11 finale.
Upton’s departure is not surprising considering Halstead’s decision to leave Chicago before her, along with a track record of detectives who have come and gone, like Erin Lindsay (Sophie Bush) and Antonio Dawson (Jon Seda). Upton leaving underscores the dark toll it takes for law enforcement to work in the cold and brutal crime world of Chicago. While the crew and spectators will miss Upton, her absence leaves room for other characters to expand their storylines, includingKevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins), Dante Torres (Benjamin Levy Aguilar), and newcomer Kiana Cook (Toya Turner).
Who May Be Promoted To A Detective In Chicago PD Season 12?
Anyone In Intelligence Can Be Promoted To Detective
Upton’s former position as Detective is also left vacant and up for grabs for anyone in the unit who is qualified. Ruzek and Atwater are possibilities due to their extensive time in Intelligence and their expertise in undercover work. However, Burgess is the best candidate for the job because she is one of the most reliable officers in Intelligence with the ability to control her emotions and separate her personal and professional lives. She also has leadership qualities when guiding and supporting her fellow officers, especially during traumatic situations.
As Burgess embraces her new role as detective, there are more possibilities in which new officers can join Intelligence and make the team even stronger.
From her days as a patrol officer to working with Intelligence,Burgess has the necessary experience to be second-in-command. Reminiscent of Upton, Burgess has also faced dangerous perpetrators in near-death situations and is willing to sacrifice her career to protect a teammate, such as standing by Dante when he didn’t disclose his relationship with Gloria Perez. As Burgess embraces her new role as detective, there are more possibilities in which new officers can join Intelligence and make the team even stronger inChicago P.D.‘sfuture.
Chicago P.D.season 12 returns with episode 9 on Wednesday, August 10, 2025, at 10 pm ET on NBC.
