Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for season 12, episode 21 of Chicago PD. In a remarkable twist, Deputy Chief Reid, portrayed by Shawn Hatosy, has successfully disbanded the Intelligence Unit—a feat that no one else has accomplished in the history of Chicago PD. Although previous attempts have been made to undermine Sergeant Voight (played by Jason Beghe) and his team, Reid’s tactics appear more effective, highlighting a new layer of complexity within the storyline.
Although the suspension of the Intelligence Unit is not a welcome development for fans, it undeniably enriches the narrative. As the story progresses, attention shifts to the challenges Voight faces in reclaiming control over his team, particularly regarding Burgess (Marina Squerciati) and Torres (Benjamin Levy Aguilar). With the season finale approaching, numerous unresolved threads promise to carry over into the anticipated season 13.
Reid’s Disbandment of the Intelligence Unit in Season 12
The Separation of Voight and His Team
Throughout season 12, Reid has emerged as a formidable opponent to everyone involved. From the moment he confronted Voight about Torres’s entanglement with his confidential informant, it became clear that Reid was not to be trusted—his alliance with Voight was purely transactional. When circumstances pushed Voight to reassess his strategy to counter Reid’s influence, it became evident that Reid was strategically leveraging his connections within the department to manipulate events to his advantage.
In episode 21, rather than being a victim, Reid proactively opted to dismantle the Intelligence Unit, wielding his authority to arrest Torres and suspend Burgess without compensation. Voight’s previous cover-ups only served to lend credibility to Reid’s assertions, enabling him to persuade superiors that the Intelligence Unit could not be relied upon.
The Unprecedented Disbandment of Voight’s Intelligence Unit
Previous Attempts to Challenge Voight
Reid’s successful disbandment of the Intelligence Unit marks a pivotal moment in the One Chicago franchise. While antagonists have frequently targeted Voight, Reid’s actions represent an unprecedented level of betrayal from within the police force itself. Past adversaries, including criminals and law enforcement officers, have attempted to undermine Voight, but none succeeded to the extent of completely disbanding the unit.
Notably, turmoil arose during season 7 when Atwater defied the Blue Line amid rising racial tensions—consequently suffering dire repercussions. Voight’s steadfast support for Atwater fueled resentment among colleagues, yet it didn’t lead to the complete dissolution of the unit.
In season 5, a calculated effort to retaliate against Voight led to the wrongful conviction of Olinsky, culminating in his untimely death. Although this episode resulted in Voight facing administrative challenges, the rest of the Intelligence Unit ultimately persevered throughout the storm.
Strategies for Reinstating the Intelligence Unit
Taking Down Reid: The Path Forward
If Voight had shared more information with his team earlier in the season, the Intelligence Unit might have thwarted Reid’s plans. With Reid having meticulously gathered incriminating details for months, the only viable way for the team to reclaim their standing is by neutralizing Reid. The upcoming season finale hints at an unofficial approach to this endeavor, revealing that the Intelligence Unit will operate outside conventional boundaries.
In their quest to dismantle Reid’s control, the assistance of ASA Chapman (Sarah Bues) will be crucial. Although Chapman may disapprove of Voight’s unorthodox methods, Voight has determined that traditional approaches are inadequate at this stage. The Intelligence staff will also need to strategize ways to secure Torres’s release, despite the validity of the charges against him.
To bring Reid down, it’s imperative to unite others he has targeted. This coalition will establish a defense against Reid’s retaliatory maneuvers, which are anticipated given his tenuous position. While daunting, this effort will be critical for reintegrating the Intelligence Unit and restoring Burgess to her rightful role. Addressing Torres’s legal issues will be slightly more complex due to the actual conduct leading to his arrest.
Intelligence’s Disbandment & Future Storylines in Chicago PD
Trust Within the Chicago PD Has Been Shaken
As the Chicago PD season 12 finale approaches, it remains uncertain if all plotlines can be resolved. Some issues, such as Torres’s situation, may persist into season 13, but regardless of how neatly the finale wraps up, the narrative is poised to become significantly more engaging in the future.
Reid’s unethical decisions led to Torres’s arrest—a point of contention given that Burgess also participated in covering up the crime. This breach of trust reverberates throughout the department, compelling both officers and superiors to take a closer look at the Intelligence Unit’s actions moving forward, regardless of Reid’s eventual downfall.
As the series transitions into season 13, the Intelligence Unit will be under immense scrutiny. Adhering strictly to protocols may hinder their effectiveness, challenging them to find innovative ways to solve crimes while restoring their credibility. This tension will undoubtedly lead to intriguing story arcs—certain to keep audiences engaged when Chicago PD returns.