Dennis Peck (Richard Gere) is one of the most powerful cops in Los Angeles because he has his entire division in his fist through a complex system of favors and addictions, power and corruption. This continues until a young detective, Raymond Avila (Andy Garcia), takes over in the Internal Affairs department. A psychological warfare unfolds between the two, from which Dennis, through his devious methods and knowledge of people, seemingly must emerge victorious. With this role, Richard Gere brilliantly returned to popularity, thanks to the virtuosity with which he played his truly dangerous and insidious hero.