In America, the police are sworn to uphold the law and protect the innocent. But on the streets, it's every for themselves - and the streets are where policeman Eldon Perry (Kurt Russell) honed his craft.

Perry is a veteran cop in Los Angeles, one of the toughest cities in the world. A member of the LAPD's elite Special Investigation Squad, Perry is known for his tough street tactics, fiery temper and a willingness to do whatever it takes to bring someone to justice. Perry plays fast and loose with the rules and goes over the line - until another cop vows to bring him down.

When the SIS is assigned a high-profile quadruple homicide, Perry is put on the case along with SIS rookie Bobby Keough (Scott Speedman). Investigating the murders along side Perry, Keough soon learns the grim realities police investigation and corruption. Meanwhile, Assistant Chief Holland (Ving Rhames) is the only man in the department willing to stand up to the SIS and its powerful, dangerous boss, Jack Van Meter (Brendan Gleeson). The SIS is a tight brotherhood, and no one has ever dared to take them on - until now. While Perry and Keough are trying to solve the murder, Holland is trying to end Perry's brand of singlehanded "justice".

Over the course of four days, the brutal murder and a racially charged trial trigger an explosive chain of events that resonate throughout Los Angeles. While navigating through the tumultuous neighborhoods of South Central LA, Perry and Keough must track down cool-blooded killers and also face their own demons, which prove to be more ruthless than the criminals they pursue.