Newly appointed Eastland Police Chief Constable John Stafford comes up against the Old Boys' Network. Tensions run high at Her Majesty's Prison 'Stornton' when the warders threaten to go out on strike.
In his new role as Chief Constable, John Stafford is facing opposition from all sides, and numerous challenges to his authority. The accusation of being soft over the weeding of Special Branch files presents just one...
John Stafford creates fruther controversey when he intercepts Special Branch papers en route to MI5. Anne, meanwhile, is determined to clear her husband's name following their son's drug bust.
John Stafford must find a solution to the vigilante groups that are emerging in response to a new social menace - crack cocaine.
A drugs raid goes wrong, and militant university students challenge John Stafford's authority.
John Stafford's conflict with the Home Office reaches crisis point - and threatens to end his career.
Chief Constable John Stafford returns to work after his temporary suspension. A series of bomb hoaxes by animal rights activists is amoung his first new cases.
Stafford has to deal with a sieges following the kidnapping of a hitch-hiker. Anne, meanwhile, is faced with the problem of security guards who are taking the law into their own hands on a private estate.
Stafford continues negotiating during the siege, while a female officer resigns because of sexual harassment.
Stafford must decide whether to allow the screening of a documentary about mad cow disease.
Two youths throw a brick at a patrol car from a motorway bridge killing a police officer.
Elizabeth Stafford has to treat a child poisoned by an oil spill, while John Stafford must force environmental protesters to leave a ship which is legally carrying toxic waste.
Before leaving his post, John Stafford must complete an investigation into corruption in the Met. ACC Anne Stewart, keen for promotion to Stafford's old position, finds herself torn when a gunman unleashes terror in Burthorpe; she deals with the danger as a priority, and is late for the all-important interview. Meanwhile, Stafford meets prime contender Alan Cade.
Stafford finds an unpected ally in Cade, who assists in the corruption investigation and also impresses Rosalind Maxwell, Chair of the Police Authroity. Maxwell is charmed by the debonair officer, while fellow contender Anne has consistently failed to make a good impression; her prospects for promotion look bleak.
Alan Cade, taking up duty as Eastland's new Chief Constable, is immediately called upon to deal with a major incident: three ex-workers have hijacked an offshore exploration rig in order to highlight inadequate work and safety conditions. Pressure mounts on Cade to resolve the situation, and Anne might be just the person he needs...
A dcotor is caught running a private scam, and presents more trouble by making claims about corruption involving a prominent local councillor. Cade is forced to justify his expenditure at the same time as organising a massive security operation for a royal visit, and the doctor makes matters worse by using the visit as a platform to make his allegations public.
Cade adopts a highly risky strategy in an attempt to take down local drug barons.
Following the death of an informant, criticism over the handling of the rig hijack and the acquisition of a new police command vehicle amid budget cuts, Cade is under mounting pressure. Determined not to give up, he looks to Anne Stewart for assistance.
Cade is the subject of public outrage after two terrorist bomb blasts, and as if that wasn't enough, his girlfriend leaves him.
Davies discovers that a bogus doctor has been using NHS equipment to carry out his private business. Cade has to organise a massive security operation to protect a royal visitor.
Stewart is disillusioned and frustrated when she fails to win the promotion she has been fighting for.
Impressed by her diligence, Cade agrees to employ pushy public relations executive Alison Dell in an attempt to boost the force's image. However, they soon find that their working relationship spills over into their private lives.
Hilary Scott is attacked by anti-abortionists on her way to the clinic. Terrified by their campaign, she goes home to rethink her decision.
Cade causes controversy when he announces a radical plan to decriminalise certain drugs for an experimental trial.
Cade's life is put in jeopardy when a visiting Italian judge is the victim of an assassination attempt.
Tensions between the police and the Crown Prosecution Service mount following the acquittal of a child murderer.
A group of Neo-Nazis plan to raid the home of a local councillor.
Cade is forced to defend his team when an illegal immigrant dies while officers attempt to restrain him.
Cade's attitude to firearms is challenged after an armed robbery on a countryside mansion.
Cade faces a dilemma after a child is killed by joyriders on a local estate.
Two deadly incidents of racial hatred, more than 20 years apart, cause problems for Cade.
A large demonstration takes place at a nuclear plant while Cade is away investigating a member of the force.
Cade leans on an old friend when he suspects the others are conspiring against him.
Emotions run high when charges of harassment are brought within the Eastland force – and against it.
Cade's future is in doubt when he comes under fire from the tabloid press.