Politically ambitious new LAPD captain David Aceveda tries to crack corruption in Los Angeles' Farmington District by recruiting detective Terry Crowley to help him take down fellow detective Vic Mackey, leader of the Farmington precinct's Strike Team. As Vic and the Strike Team prepare for a dangerous night mission, detectives Holland "Dutch" Wagenbach and Claudette Wyms investigate a woman's murder, only to discover that her missing daughter has been sold off by the daughter's drug-addicted father to a child molester.

In a routine sweep, the Barn's detectives divvy up warrants. But when they cast their nets, they bring up far bigger fish than expected. While Vic holds a basketball star hostage to influence the outcome of an upcoming game, Dutch and Claudette nab an egotistical rapist out to impregnate as many women as possible.

When the body of a young hooker is found in the district, Dutch's theory about a serial killer preying on prostitutes proves true. Aceveda launches an all-out effort to find the killer before he strikes again, giving Dutch and Claudette the full resources of the Barn for 24 hours and the help of the FBI.

As Dutch uncovers a lead to the serial killer, a reporter's questions force Aceveda to explain problems he thought were buried fair in the past, while Vic assists Connie as she tries to quit crack cold-turkey in a desperate attempt to keep her son, leaving the other Strike Team members to investigate a strip-club mugging ring on their own.

Grade school heroin dealing prompts Vic to increase his efforts to bring down Armadillo, while Dutch and Claudette help a woman track down her Alzheimer's-addled mother.

The Barn mobilizes to investigate a massacre at a women's shelter, while Aceveda spends a day on the streets with Julien as the pair attempt to recover a child's stolen bicycle.

Flashback to the first day of the Barn. Under pressure to get results, Vic and the newly-formed Strike Team make an impression on the streets. Dutch and Claudette realize they make a good team, and Aceveda discovers he doesn't have as much power as he thought he would.