Hank Voight has always been a man of contradictions. The leader of Chicago P.D.’s Intelligence Unit operates in a moral gray area, bending the law when necessary but always fiercely loyal to his team. One of his most famous principles—“Tell me the truth so I can lie for you.”—has long defined his leadership style. It’s a mantra that suggests absolute trust between Voight and his officers, a promise that if they confide in him, he’ll do whatever it takes to protect them.
And yet, in recent seasons, Voight has seemingly abandoned this rule when it matters most. Instead of standing by his team as he once did, he’s made decisions that contradict the very foundation of his leadership. Why is Voight no longer following his own philosophy? And what does it mean for Intelligence moving forward?
The Voight We Knew: A Leader Who Protected His Own
From the beginning, Voight built Intelligence on unwavering loyalty. He wasn’t just a boss—he was a shield. If one of his people made a mistake, as long as they were honest with him, he would do whatever it took to keep them out of trouble. We saw this time and time again, whether it was covering for Ruzek’s questionable calls in the field or keeping Lindsay out of prison.
This code made Voight both a feared and respected leader. His team knew they could rely on him, and in return, they followed his orders without hesitation. It was a dangerous but effective system—one that blurred the lines between right and wrong, but also cemented Intelligence as one of the most formidable units in Chicago P.D.
Where It All Changed
In recent seasons, however, Voight’s approach has shifted. He’s no longer as quick to cover for his officers, and in some cases, he’s actively distanced himself from their choices. The most glaring example of this was in Season 9, when Hailey Upton and Jay Halstead were left to deal with the fallout of Roy Walton’s death largely on their own. Voight was involved, of course—he helped dispose of the body—but he didn’t take full control of the situation the way he once would have.
Similarly, in later seasons, Voight has shown less patience for his officers’ missteps. Instead of strategizing to protect them, he’s allowed them to face consequences that he might have once prevented. While this shift could be seen as growth—perhaps he’s trying to run Intelligence with more integrity—it also raises questions about his loyalty.
Is Voight Changing, or Is the Show Changing Him?
There are a few possible reasons for Voight’s evolution. One is that he’s simply grown tired. After years of carrying the burden of protecting his team, maybe he’s realizing that the weight is too heavy. Another possibility is that the show itself is forcing a change. Chicago P.D. has leaned into more grounded, procedural storytelling in recent seasons, moving away from the unchecked power that Voight once wielded.
It’s also possible that Voight has lost faith in his own philosophy. He’s seen good cops fall, he’s lost friends, and he’s learned the hard way that no amount of loyalty can truly keep his unit safe forever. Perhaps he’s now choosing to let his officers handle their own consequences instead of trying to shield them from everything.
What This Means for Intelligence Moving Forward
Voight’s reluctance to “lie for his people” changes the entire dynamic of Intelligence. If his officers can no longer count on him to protect them, they may start handling things their own way, which could lead to even more chaos. It also raises the question of whether Voight is still the leader Chicago P.D. needs.
