The Chicago P.D. Shake-Up: 4 Actresses Who Define The Intelligence Unit And The Shocking Season 13 Newcomer

The world of the Intelligence Unit on Chicago P.D. is constantly evolving, and as of December 2025, the drama is not just on-screen but also in the casting room. The biggest news shaking the One Chicago universe is the impending departure of a beloved series regular, Detective Hailey Upton, a move that will fundamentally reshape the team dynamic for the upcoming seasons. Fans are bracing for a major emotional exit, while simultaneously welcoming a fresh face to the 21st District.

This article provides the most current and updated information on the core actresses driving the show, from the veteran Desk Sergeant who runs the precinct to the newest officer stepping into the Intelligence Unit's ranks. We dive into their real-life biographies, their pivotal character arcs, and the confirmed cast changes that will define the future of the Chicago Police Department's elite unit.

The Core Actresses: Biographies and Pivotal Roles

The strength of Chicago P.D. lies in its grounded, complex characters, many of whom are brought to life by powerful female performers. Here is a detailed look at the actresses who have been, and will be, the backbone of the Intelligence Unit.

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• Tracy Spiridakos (Detective Hailey Upton)
  • Born: Panagiota Spiridakos on February 20, 1988, in Winnipeg, Canada.
  • Nationality: Greek-Canadian.
  • Career Highlights: Before joining the Dick Wolf universe, Spiridakos was nominated for a Saturn Award for her lead role as Charlie Matheson on the NBC series Revolution.
  • P.D. Role: Detective Hailey Upton joined the Intelligence Unit in Season 4 and became a series regular in Season 5. She is known for her intense, often morally grey approach to policing and her complex relationship with Jay Halstead (Upstead).
  • Current Status: Spiridakos is confirmed to be leaving Chicago P.D. after Season 11. She has since booked her first new acting role, signaling a move to new projects outside of the One Chicago franchise.
• Marina Squerciati (Detective Kim Burgess)
  • Born: April 30, 1984, in New York City, USA.
  • Nationality: American.
  • Career Highlights: Squerciati is a stage and screen actress who had recurring roles on popular shows like Gossip Girl and The Good Wife before her breakthrough.
  • P.D. Role: Officer Kim Burgess began as a patrol officer before earning her spot in the Intelligence Unit. Her character arc is one of the most compelling, dealing with trauma, adoption (of Makayla), and a long-standing on-again, off-again relationship with Adam Ruzek (Burzek).
  • Current Status: Squerciati remains a core series regular, with her character, Kim Burgess, being a vital link across multiple One Chicago shows, including Chicago Fire and Chicago Med.
• Amy Morton (Sergeant Trudy Platt)
  • Born: April 3, 1959, in Oak Park, Illinois, USA.
  • Nationality: American.
  • Career Highlights: A highly respected veteran of the stage, Morton is a longtime ensemble member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Her film work includes a role in the George Clooney-led drama Up in the Air.
  • P.D. Role: Desk Sergeant Trudy Platt is the tough-as-nails, yet secretly compassionate, gatekeeper of the 21st District. She is known for her sarcastic wit and her mentorship of the younger officers.
  • Current Status: Morton continues her role as Sergeant Platt, providing essential comic relief and emotional depth as a recurring character across the One Chicago franchise.
• Arienne Mandi (Officer Eva Imani / Naomi Kerr)
  • Born: April 8, 1994, in Los Angeles, California, USA.
  • Nationality: American (Arabic-Hispanic Mix ethnicity).
  • Career Highlights: Mandi is best known for her roles on The L Word: Generation Q and the Netflix thriller The Night Agent.
  • P.D. Role: Joining as a new series regular for Season 13, Mandi will portray Officer Eva Imani (also cited as Officer Naomi Kerr). She is described as a fearless former soldier and military contractor who prefers working solo, which will likely create immediate tension within the tight-knit Intelligence Unit.
  • Current Status: Mandi is the most exciting new addition to the cast, filling the void left by recent departures and setting up a major new storyline for the next season.

The Shocking Exit: Detective Hailey Upton’s Departure

The news that Tracy Spiridakos is leaving Chicago P.D. after Season 11 sent shockwaves through the fandom. Spiridakos, who has portrayed the complex Detective Hailey Upton for almost eight seasons, decided to exit the series to pursue other creative opportunities.

Her departure marks one of the most significant cast changes in the show’s recent history, following the exit of Jesse Lee Soffer (Jay Halstead) in Season 10.

Upton’s final season, Season 11, is dedicated to giving her character a proper send-off. The actress expressed that she wanted to ensure the character was sent out with one last season, acknowledging the difficulty of the decision due to her love for the cast and crew.

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The resolution of Upton’s storyline, especially concerning her marriage to Halstead, remains a central question for fans. Her exit is expected to be a major emotional catalyst for the remaining members of the Intelligence Unit, particularly for Sergeant Voight and Detective Burgess.

The New Face of Intelligence: Arienne Mandi Joins Season 13

As one major actress departs, another is stepping in to keep the Intelligence Unit dynamic fresh. Arienne Mandi is confirmed to be joining the cast as a new series regular for Chicago P.D. Season 13.

Mandi will play Officer Eva Imani, a character described as a former military contractor and soldier. The character's background suggests a disciplined, possibly hardened personality, which will contrast sharply with the established members like Kim Burgess and Adam Ruzek.

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The introduction of Eva Imani is a strategic move to fill the gap left by the departure of Detective Upton and the earlier exit of Kiana Cook's character.

Her character is set to be a "fearless" officer who prefers to work alone, a trait that will inevitably clash with the collaborative nature of Hank Voight's Intelligence team. This new dynamic promises fresh storylines and a necessary shift in the show's focus as it moves into its thirteenth season.

The Underrated Cornerstones: Burgess and Platt’s Enduring Legacy

While the focus is often on the dramatic exits and new arrivals, the enduring presence of Marina Squerciati (Kim Burgess) and Amy Morton (Trudy Platt) provides the necessary stability and heart for the series.

Kim Burgess’s journey from a beat cop to a skilled detective is a central narrative of the show. Her emotional depth and dedication to victims make her one of the best-written female characters in the entire One Chicago franchise.

Similarly, Sergeant Trudy Platt, though mostly confined to the front desk, is a fan favorite and a critical asset to the Chicago Police Department. Her ability to cut through red tape and offer gruff-but-caring advice has made her the unofficial den mother of the 21st District.

These actresses are the topical authority anchors, connecting the current season back to the show’s roots, which began with Sophia Bush’s character, Detective Erin Lindsay. Their continued presence ensures that even with significant cast turnover, the core emotional integrity of Chicago P.D. remains intact for its dedicated audience.