Chicago P.D. may be known for tense interrogations and emotional storylines, but some of its most unforgettable moments come from pure action. Explosive raids, brutal street fights, rooftop chases, and high-speed takedowns have made the series one of television’s most intense police dramas.
But not every dangerous moment is performed by the stars themselves.
Behind many of those jaw-dropping scenes are stunt doubles—highly trained professionals who step in when the risk becomes too great. Here are five types of Chicago P.D. scenes that almost certainly required stunt performers.
1. High-speed car chases and crash scenes
Few things raise the stakes like a pursuit through city streets. Whether suspects are fleeing or Intelligence is closing in, Chicago P.D. has delivered some chaotic driving sequences over the years. Scenes involving sharp turns, near-collisions, or actual impacts are usually handled by stunt drivers and doubles.
It may look effortless on screen.
In reality, it takes precision and nerves of steel.
2. Brutal hand-to-hand fights
Characters like Hank Voight and the rest of the unit often find themselves in violent confrontations. While actors film many close-up punches and reactions, harder slams into walls, falls onto concrete, or dangerous throws are commonly given to stunt doubles.
That’s how the show keeps the fights realistic without unnecessary injury.
3. Rooftop chases and dangerous jumps
Any scene where officers run across rooftops, leap over gaps, or hang from edges carries serious risk. Even with harnesses and safety measures, those sequences demand athletic training and exact timing.
Fans see suspense.
Stunt teams see one wrong step away from disaster.
4. Gunfire raids and explosion entries
Chicago P.D. frequently stages warehouse raids, apartment breaches, and tactical entries with smoke, shattered glass, and sudden blasts. Whenever actors appear to be thrown by force or dive through dangerous debris, stunt doubles are often doing the most hazardous portions.
These scenes combine multiple dangers at once.
5. Water rescues or icy environment scenes
Episodes involving rivers, docks, freezing weather, or submerged suspects are especially challenging. Cold temperatures, slippery surfaces, and limited visibility make these some of the toughest scenes to shoot safely.
That’s when stunt specialists become essential.
What makes Chicago P.D. impressive is how invisible the switch often is. Through careful editing, matching wardrobe, camera angles, and strong stunt performance, viewers rarely notice when the actor has been replaced.
That seamless illusion is part of why the action feels so real.
Stars like Jason Beghe, Patrick John Flueger, Marina Squerciati, and LaRoyce Hawkins deserve praise for bringing intensity and emotion to their roles. But the stunt teams deserve credit too—they help create the danger fans remember most.
Without them, many signature scenes would be impossible.
So the next time you see an officer crash through a window, survive a chase, or brawl through a dark alley, remember:
You may be watching your favorite character—
But it might be a stunt professional taking the real hit.