Why LaRoyce Hawkins “Felt Like Beyoncé” Filming Chicago P.D. at 3 A.M. This Season

"Chicago P.D." star LaRoyce Hawkins talks about the joys of filming the NBC nail-biter on the streets of Chicago.

NBC Insider One Chicago Why LaRoyce Hawkins “Felt Like Beyoncé” Filming Chicago P.D. at 3 A.M. This Season

Hawkins lovingly called the Windy City "the greatest character in the One Chicago universe."

By Jessica White Apr 21, 2026, 3:55 PM ET

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If there's anyone who knows how beautifully chaotic the city of Chicago can be, it's Chicago P.D. star LaRoyce Hawkins, who has kicked criminal butt all over the Windy City as One Chicago fan favorite Kevin Atwater.

How to Watch

Watch Chicago P.D. Wednesdays at 10/9c on NBC and next day on Peacock.

For more than 13 seasons and counting, Hawkins' Officer Atwater and the rest of the steadfast Intelligence Unit have kept Chihards captivated with the winding investigations and blood-pumping criminal takedowns. Whether it's a criminal pursuit across the Windy City rooftops or an action-packed car chase along Chicago's iconic Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue, the Chicago P.D. cast is familiar with the hectic day-to-day of filming on the Chicago streets, and they hold mighty respect for the city they get to bring to vivid life.

NBC Insider recently spoke with P.D. star Hawkins, who had nothing but praise for the city of Chicago for allowing the One Chicago cast and crew to bring these heartwarming stories of heroism to life. "You would also be surprised how integral the city of Chicago is and how they have to really allow us to do everything that we're doing," Hawkins said.

"I had a moment this season where I felt like Beyoncé, and I'll explain why, because when Beyoncé got a concert at Soldier Field, traffic on Lakeshore Drive gets carried away," Hawkins shared before recalling a cherished memory in which he felt like the ultimate V.I.P during a P.D. shoot.

LaRoyce Hawkins felt like a pop star after P.D. shut down a major Chicago street

LaRoyce Hawkins as Officer Kevin Atwater during Chicago PD Season 13 Episode 10; Beyoncé attend the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 02, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

Photo: NBC; Getty Images

Chicago's ability to attract powerhouse performers and must-see tours has long led to standstill traffic near its iconic performance venues. But it's not just A-listers and pop stars who hold that kind of sway over inner-city traffic. The One Chicago franchise films on the lively city streets, occasionally leading standstills on major Windy City roadways. Hawkins explaines to us that one instance in particular had him feelin' himself like Queen Bey herself.

"I'm pretty sure I caused powerful traffic jams on Lakewood Drive," he recalled. "Because it was two, three in the morning, and the city of Chicago allowed us to shoot in front of Buckingham Fountain, on Balboa, and we blocked off Lake Shore Drive for as many hours as it took to shoot a scene."

Chicago P.D. Season 13

One Chicago Wednesdays are here!

Fresh off an extended fall hiatus, new Chicago P.D. episodes begin airing January 7, 2026 every Wednesday at 10/9c. New episodes are available to stream on Peacock Thursdays at 6 a.m. ET.

Keep up with your favorite officers Hank Voight (Jason Beghe), Adam Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger), Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati), Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins), Trudy Platt (Amy Morton), Dante Torres (Benjamin Levy Aguilar), and Eva Imani (Arienne Mandi) as they navigate the highs and lows of the Intelligence Unit.

If that's not quite enough One Chicago for you, checkout exclusive merch available now at the NBC Store!

Translation for readers outside of the Windy City who may be unfamiliar: P.D. production shut down the portion of Chicago's downtown expressway that residents use day in and day out, boasting traffic on even the slowest of days.

Hawkins teased that it was one of "those moments where you don't understand why traffic is traffic sometimes, you know what I'm saying? It's not Beyoncé sometimes."

Officer Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins) and Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) walk past police tape on Chicago P.D. Episode 311.

Officer Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins) and Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) appear on Chicago P.D. Season 3 Episode 11.

Photo: Elizabeth Sisson/NBC

After fondly recalling another similar scenario when the P.D. cast shut down the ever-busy Michigan Avenue for a scene, Hawkins gave kudos to the city of Chicago for helping the One Chicago stars shine a light on the amazing city.

"We need that cooperation from the city, otherwise we can't really do what we got to do, but that's what makes, in my humble opinion, Chicago the greatest character in the one Chicago universe," Hawkins said. "Because if we weren't really able to bend some rules and get that cooperation, you wouldn't really see the city as lit as it is on our show."

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Listen to the Official One Chicago Podcast now!

Want behind-the-scenes intel about Chicago Med, Fire, and P.D.? The official One Chicago Podcast is hosted by longtime Chicago P.D. producer Brian Luce.

Find in-depth interviews, analysis, and behind-the-scenes secrets about all your Windy City favorites. Stream wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, where it's currently ranked #1 in TV/Film and in the Top 60 overall across all categories.

Watch Chicago P.D. Wednesdays at 10/9c on NBC and the next day on Peacock.