For twelve seasons, LaRoyce Hawkins has been the unwavering, soulful center of Intelligence Unit 21 on NBC’s Chicago P.D. His character, Officer Kevin Atwater, has navigated every professional challenge, from confronting systemic racism within the police department to protecting the vulnerable streets of the West Side. Atwater’s journey of growth, integrity, and quiet strength has made him one of the most respected characters in the entire One Chicago universe.
Now, Hawkins is finally receiving recognition that moves beyond his character’s moral compass and shines a spotlight on the undeniable charisma and appeal he brings to the screen. In a recent, widely publicized list compiling the most attractive police officers currently gracing prime-time television, LaRoyce Hawkins was named one of TV’s Sexiest Cops—a title that Chicago P.D. fans couldn’t agree with more.
This recognition is not merely about physical appearance; it’s a testament to the magnetic presence and deep emotional connection Hawkins has forged with the audience. His sexiness is a potent blend of integrity, vulnerability, and a commanding authority—a trifecta that makes Officer Kevin Atwater irresistible, transforming the quiet detective into the undisputed heartthrob of the One Chicago franchise.
🖤 The Atwater Effect: Why the Fans Are Cheering
The immediate and enthusiastic fan response to Hawkins’ inclusion on the list highlights a deep appreciation that goes far beyond surface level. For the Chicago P.D. fandom, Atwater’s appeal is intrinsically linked to his journey and character development.
Integrity is Irresistible
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Moral Compass: Atwater has been the moral anchor of Intelligence, especially after the departures of Erin Lindsay (Sophia Bush) and Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer). He is the voice of reason who actively works to bridge the gap between the police and the community. This commitment to justice, ethics, and truth makes his character profoundly attractive. In a procedural landscape often defined by gray areas, Atwater’s unwavering moral clarity is a powerful turn-on for viewers.
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The Quiet Strength: Hawkins imbues Atwater with a calm confidence that is far sexier than reckless aggression. He rarely needs to raise his voice to command a scene; his authority is inherent. He moves with a deliberate, grounded energy that speaks volumes about his self-assurance and control.
Emotional Availability
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The Vulnerability: Throughout the series, Atwater has been forced to confront his own painful history, particularly the systemic bias he has faced as a Black man in a white-dominated police force. Hawkins handles these moments with an open, raw vulnerability that allows the audience to connect with him on a deeply human level. This willingness to show emotion and grapple with complexity makes him not just a hero, but a partner the audience feels they can trust.
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The Protector Instinct: Whether protecting his younger siblings or shielding a vulnerable witness, Atwater’s natural instinct is to protect. This inherent caring nature is a cornerstone of his appeal, proving that the strongest man is often the most gentle.
🎬 The Hawkins Factor: The Power of the Performance
While Kevin Atwater’s character arc provides the framework, it is LaRoyce Hawkins’ remarkable performance that breathes life and undeniable charisma into the role.
The Commanding Presence
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Physicality and Poise: Hawkins possesses a commanding height and a natural poise that captures attention immediately. He uses his physicality not for intimidation, but to convey gravitas and stillness, making his moments of explosive action all the more impactful.
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The Eyes: Fans frequently cite the actor’s eyes as a major source of his appeal. Hawkins has an extraordinary ability to communicate intense emotion—grief, determination, frustration, and love—through a single, focused glance. His eyes often tell a more compelling story than the dialogue itself, drawing the viewer into Atwater’s internal world.
The Chemistry and Charm
Hawkins has effortlessly established chemistry with every member of the Unit, from the paternal bond with Sergeant Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) to the easy camaraderie with Adam Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger) and Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati). This ability to be both supportive friend and fierce colleague makes him the perfect ensemble player and a natural leader.
The way he effortlessly switches from the intensity of a high-speed chase to a moment of quiet, flirtatious banter has made Atwater’s occasional romantic storylines—which have been notably rare—the most anticipated in the series.
📈 The One Chicago Heartthrob Landscape
Hawkins’ recognition is especially significant given the high standards of the One Chicago franchise, which has never lacked for attractive male leads.
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The Halstead Comparison: For years, Jesse Lee Soffer’s Jay Halstead occupied the prime spot as Chicago P.D.’s resident heartthrob—a position defined by rugged intensity and a “good-bad cop” dynamic. Hawkins’ ascension to this list, particularly after Halstead’s departure, signifies a shift in what the audience finds attractive. Viewers are moving past the brooding, flawed bad-boy archetype and gravitating toward a hero defined by uncompromising goodness and emotional maturity.
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The Fire and Med Competition: While the One Chicago universe features leading men like Taylor Kinney (Chicago Fire) and Nick Gehlfuss (Chicago Med), Hawkins stands out by combining the action star quality of the former with the grounded sincerity of the latter, creating a unique and potent appeal.
This title is a validation of the nuanced, principled hero that Hawkins has meticulously built over the past decade. It confirms that in the contemporary television landscape, integrity is the new sex appeal.
🔑 Conclusion: More Than Just a Title
LaRoyce Hawkins’ inclusion on the list of TV’s Sexiest Cops is a richly deserved honor, and the thunderous agreement from Chicago P.D. fans proves that his appeal is deeply earned.
This recognition is not a fleeting nod to a good-looking actor; it’s a testament to the powerful, magnetic presence that Hawkins brings to Officer Kevin Atwater. His sexiness is derived from his moral strength, his quiet confidence, and his emotional transparency. He is the kind of hero the audience roots for, trusts, and, clearly, finds utterly irresistible. As Chicago P.D. moves into its next chapter, LaRoyce Hawkins stands tall, not just as the moral compass of Intelligence Unit 21, but as the reigning heartthrob of the entire One Chicago universe.
