When it comes to choosing the best member of the Chicago P.D. team, opinions may vary depending on what each viewer values most in a character. Some may favor Sergeant Hank Voight for his relentless pursuit of justice, no matter the cost. Others may admire Kim Burgess for her emotional resilience, or Adam Ruzek for his passionate loyalty. But for me, the best character in the Intelligence Unit is undoubtedly Kevin Atwater. What makes Atwater stand out isn’t just his skill as a detective, but the strength of his character. In a unit filled with big personalities, emotional trauma, and moral dilemmas, Atwater remains the most grounded, balanced, and principled officer on the team. He consistently does the right thing even when it’s hard, especially in situations where his race, ethics, and profession collide. His integrity never wavers, even when standing up to his own teammates or superiors. That kind of courage, especially in a profession as demanding as policing, is what makes him a quiet hero.
Atwater’s storylines often go beyond routine crime-solving. His character brings depth to the show by exploring serious issues like racial profiling, police brutality, and systemic inequality in a way that no other character can. He doesn’t just serve justice in the streets — he challenges the system to be better. That gives him a unique voice in the series and makes his presence not only powerful but necessary. Unlike Voight, who often chooses the ends over the means, or Ruzek, who lets his emotions cloud his judgment, Atwater consistently balances logic with compassion. He listens before he reacts, and he values human dignity as much as he values catching the bad guy.
In addition to his moral strength, Kevin Atwater also possesses all the qualities you’d want in a great cop: intelligence, bravery, emotional control, and physical strength. Whether he’s chasing down a suspect or de-escalating a dangerous standoff, he remains calm and composed under pressure. And yet, despite his strength, he never loses his humanity. You can see it in his eyes when a case hits too close to home, or when he’s talking to a scared witness. He brings heart to a show that often leans heavily into grit.
What I also appreciate about Atwater is how underappreciated he is within the fictional world of the show. He rarely seeks credit or the spotlight, and he often works twice as hard without demanding recognition. That humility, combined with his strength and consistency, makes him not just the best cop on Chicago P.D., but a role model — for viewers and fellow characters alike.
In conclusion, while every member of the Chicago P.D. team contributes something important to the show, Kevin Atwater stands out for all the right reasons. He is brave without being reckless, kind without being naive, and strong without being cruel. His storylines challenge us to think more deeply about justice, race, and what it really means to protect and serve. And most importantly, he does it all with quiet strength, never asking for praise — just doing what’s right. That’s why Kevin Atwater is, in my opinion, the very best among the Chicago P.D. team.
