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Why SVU Fans Should Recognize Dr. Julian Mitchell on Chicago P.D.
Fans of the Dick Wolf Universe have definitely seen him before.
Chicago P.D. is back with its January 17 Season 11 premiere, meaning we'll be reunited with our beloved Intelligence Unit. But there will be one new face that'll stand out to fans.
A new character, Dr. Julian Mitchell, is introduced as he plays a major role in the team's first case of the season, led by Upton (Tracy Spiridakos). And not only does his job add an interesting new dynamic to the way the unit polices, but many will most likely recognize him. Read on to find out all the details.
Who is Dr. Julian Mitchell on Chicago P.D.?
Mitchell is introduced in the premiere as a psychologist on the Crisis Response Prevention Team, which Upton shadows during an obligatory police training. Mitchell's character was inspired by a real program that exists today.
"That unit itself was inspired by a lot of units across the country, the CITs [Crisis Intervention Units]. Chicago has one, a lot of cities are trying it out, and it's really interesting," Gwen Sigan tells NBC Insider. "It's a really interesting way to try something different in policing, and it seems to be working in a lot of cities. So we wanted to explore it, and that's really where it came from, was this idea that thematically this season we want to explore new possibilities with our characters, and so, it's a natural mirror to also explore it in police."
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Chicago's website, their CIT is comprised of trained officers in the police department that's goal is to "de-escalate mental health crises" while also connecting those in need with mental health care.
"In Chicago, all CIT-trained officers have attended and successfully completed a 40-hour Basic CIT Training and certification," its website says. "NAMI Chicago engages in CIT training by providing officers with education about mental health symptoms and conditions, and bringing in individuals with lived mental health experience to reduce stigma and give feedback through telling their personal stories and providing role-play training. We lead ongoing reviews of CIT curriculum to help tailor the training to meet emerging needs, and we also share feedback with the Chicago Police Department around the training and experiences of CIT officers in the field."
Who plays Dr. Julian Mitchell on Chicago P.D.?
Mitchell is played by actor Jason Bowen. Fans of the Dick Wolf universe will recognize him from Law & Order: SVU, on which he's played two different characters. In 2015 on Season 16, Episode 16's "December Solstice" he portrayed a man named Devon Wallace, and in Seasons 18 (Episodes 10 and 15) and 23 (Episode 22) he had a guest starring role as homicide detective Marcus Perry.
Fun fact? When he appeared in Season 18, Episode 10's "Motherly Love," it marked the iconic series' landmark 400th episode, which was directed by Mariska Hargitay herself.
Bowen has also appeared in The Good Fight, Blue Bloods, Orange is the New Black, and Madam Secretary.
