“Will Estes Discusses Jamie’s New Job and Its Impact on ‘Blue Bloods'”

In “Blue Bloods” Season 9, Jamie Reagan takes on a new role at work, having passed the sergeant’s exam and receiving a promotion that allows actor Will Estes to explore a fresh dimension of his character.

“He began as a rookie,” Estes shared with Newsweek. “Now, he’s a seasoned officer who’s just earned his sergeant’s stripes. I’m stepping into the role of a training sergeant, managing other officers and assuming a leadership position. It’s a significant step up, and now I’m playing a boss.”

Estes reflected on the weight of Jamie’s new role, noting, “The street-level police officer is unique in that they can directly prevent crime. Other roles typically involve dealing with criminals after the fact. Jamie was reluctant to move away from that direct action. He took to heart his father Frank Reagan’s sentiment about preferring to be on the street rather than in a higher position, even if it was meant more nostalgically.”

The actor is relishing this evolution of Jamie’s character. “One of the biggest challenges in a one-hour drama is showing character growth,” he explained. “The real police officers who act as technical advisors were impressed when I first appeared in the sergeant’s uniform. Their positive reaction was a huge compliment.”

This promotion marks a significant development from the Jamie Reagan viewers first met. Despite initially pursuing a law degree and being guided by his mother to avoid a police career, Jamie ultimately chose to become a cop, following in the footsteps of his father, older brothers, and grandfather. “He started out with high hopes and was very much a rookie,” Estes noted. “There’s a substantial difference between hearing police stories at family dinners and living those experiences on the street.”