In early seventies Italy, plagued by criminality and political terrorism, a fearless police commissioner ( Enrico Maria Salerno ) is sent to restore law and order in a northern industrial town devastated by a recent wave of violence and kidnappings. When a gang of criminals steals his son, he has to decide whether to stick to his principles or follow his feelings. His decision will lead him to discover corruption at the highest levels of the police administration, with tragic consequences.