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.

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.

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.

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.