Newly appointed Eastland Police Chief Constable John Stafford is asked to provide police support to a prison where warders have gone on strike in protest at staff shortages.

As the new Chief Constable, Stafford faces 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...

Stafford creates fruther controversy 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.

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 Stafford's authority.

Stafford's conflict with the Home Office reaches crisis point – and threatens to end his career.

Stafford returns from suspension and is immediately called upon to deal with a series of bomb threats by animal rights activists.

A hitchhiker is kidnapped, and Stafford has to deal with an ensuing siege. Stewart contends with vigilante security guards working on a private estate.

Stafford continues to deal with the siege at the hospital. A female officer resigns from the force, citing sexual harassment. Stewart's husband, Martin, walks out on her.

Stafford considers whether to allow the screening of a controversial documentary about BSE. Stewart gets into hot water.

Two youths throw bricks from a walkway bridge and hit a police car, killing an officer. Stafford deals with the subsequent unrest on a housing estate.

A child playing on a beach is poisoned by spillage from an oil tanker. Stafford is ordered to evict a group of environmental protesters from a ship carrying toxic waste.

Stafford's corruption inquiry reaches a successful conclusion, and the officer who assisted him with the case is appointed as Eastland's new chief constable.