Season 12 of Chicago P.D. has not held back when it comes to turning up the emotional and political stakes — and now, the Intelligence Unit is facing one of its most dangerous enemies yet: Chief Sam Reid. As the finale looms, a bombshell has rocked fans and characters alike — Kim Burgess no longer has her badge. But what does that mean for the future of Intelligence?
In a recent press interview, Marina Squerciati, who plays Officer Kim Burgess, admitted that the loss of the badge marks a seismic shift. “Burgess has always defined herself through the job,” she explained. “So taking the badge away? That’s not just a suspension. That’s an identity crisis.” But this isn’t just about Burgess. The entire Intelligence Unit is in the crosshairs as Reid — a high-ranking, politically motivated leader introduced earlier in Season 12 — moves to systematically dismantle what Hank Voight has built over the last decade.
“Reid is dangerous in a way we haven’t really seen before,” said Jason Beghe, who plays Sergeant Hank Voight. “He’s not coming at us with a gun. He’s using policy, perception, and bureaucracy. And honestly, that’s scarier.” Fans first sensed trouble when Reid began criticizing Intelligence’s methods earlier in the season. But no one expected just how far he’d go. With Burgess sidelined, other members of the unit are now bracing for a total takedown — and it’s starting to feel less like a professional rivalry and more like a war.
Patrick John Flueger, who plays Adam Ruzek, weighed in on what this means for his character — and for Burzek. “We’re used to danger from the streets,” he said. “But this is different. This is someone trying to erase who we are from the inside out. And Adam is furious.” Squerciati noted that Burgess’s removal from the team hits even harder because of what she’s overcome in previous seasons — from trauma to near-death experiences to raising her daughter Makayla. “After everything she’s been through, to be told she’s no longer fit? It’s crushing,” she said. “But Burgess isn’t the type to sit around and wallow.”
The loss of her badge also sets up one of the most unpredictable finales in Chicago P.D. history. According to insiders, the final episodes will pit Voight and his team against both a criminal threat and an internal power struggle. And as tensions rise, alliances will be tested like never before. “Voight is trying to keep the unit together while it’s being pulled apart,” Beghe said. “You’ll see him make some tough calls — maybe even desperate ones.” The season has already explored cracks in Intelligence’s armor. Atwater’s ongoing struggles with systemic racism and Trudy’s possible retirement have highlighted the fragility of their tight-knit team. But Reid’s campaign against the squad could be the final blow.
One thing is certain: Reid’s plan is personal. He’s not just targeting the team’s tactics — he’s undermining their integrity. And that makes him a different kind of villain. Unlike gang leaders or corrupt cops, Reid wears a suit and operates in boardrooms, not alleys. But his aim is clear — discredit Voight, erase Intelligence, and rebuild law enforcement in his image. “We’ve faced killers and cartels,” said Beghe. “But now, the threat is coming from within our own house.”
The storyline also sets the stage for important questions about policing in 2025. Can a unit like Intelligence — known for bending the rules — survive in a modern, politically sensitive climate? Should it? The show isn’t offering easy answers, but it’s not shying away from the debate either. Behind the camera, showrunner Gwen Sigan explained the intention: “We wanted to explore what happens when someone with real power decides to play chess with people’s careers and lives. It’s not just about right and wrong — it’s about optics, influence, and control.”
