Alvin Olinsky, played by Elias Koteas, was one of the most memorable detectives in Chicago P.D. His role as Sergeant Hank Voight’s trusted friend and right-hand man made him a key figure in the Intelligence Unit from Season 1 to Season 5. Fans of the show remember Olinsky for his tough but loyal approach to policing and his sharp sense of humor.
Olinsky first appeared in the series premiere when Voight sent him to help recruit officers for the newly formed Intelligence Unit. Before joining the Chicago Police Department, Olinsky served in the U.S. Army’s Special Response Team. His military background helped shape his no-nonsense style and skill as a detective.
Throughout the series, Olinsky showed himself as a skilled and determined detective. In Season 2, it was revealed that Olinsky had already earned his full pension but chose to keep working. His loyalty to the city and the people he cared about was clear, even if his methods sometimes crossed moral lines.
Olinsky and Voight shared one of the show’s strongest friendships. They balanced each other well. When Olinsky was close to crossing the line, Voight would help him calm down, and vice versa. This bond was built on mutual respect and understanding, even when their actions fell into a morally grey area.
For example, in Season 1, both detectives struggled with their urge to take justice into their own hands after fellow officer Antonio Dawson was seriously injured. Though Olinsky almost acted on this anger, he helped Voight step back as well. Their shared sense of loyalty and justice united them more than anyone else in the unit could understand.
In Season 2, when Voight was kidnapped, Olinsky stepped up to lead the Intelligence Unit and coordinate the search to find and rescue him. This moment showed how much Voight trusted Olinsky’s judgment and leadership.
The personal life of Olinsky was marked by tragedy. In Season 4, his daughter Lexi was killed, leaving Olinsky devastated. Voight was a major source of support during this time, standing by his friend through the grief. This loss deepened Olinsky’s commitment to protecting others in Chicago.
Olinsky was also closely involved in helping Voight after the death of Voight’s son, murdered by Kevin Bingham at the end of Season 3. When Voight sought revenge and killed Bingham, Olinsky was one of the first to assist in covering up the crime. He helped move Bingham’s body to protect Voight from being implicated.
Unfortunately, this cover-up failed. A strand of Olinsky’s hair was left at the scene during the body’s reburial. This evidence linked Olinsky to the crime and put both men in danger. This moment marked the beginning of a major turning point for Olinsky’s character.
Alvin Olinsky’s story on Chicago P.D. is one of loyalty, tragedy, and the harsh realities of policing. His complex friendship with Voight and his unwavering dedication to his work made him a beloved and unforgettable part of the show’s first five seasons.
