Mayor Flambeau demands immediate results when his daughter is abducted by the Allied Violent Offense Network. He orders the police chief to take violence-prone Sledge Hammer off suspension and assign him to direct the investigation. Sledge is pleased to be back on duty, but he objects to working with female detective Dori Doreau, who is given the assignment because of her background in terrorist psychology and defense tactics. Sledge correctly deduces that a member of the mayor's family is involved in the abduction, but he damages his credibility when he impetuously brings in the mayor's wife bound and gagged. He is taken off the case and Dori is assigned to deliver the ransom, but Sledge has developed considerable respect for Dori's courage and abilities. He surreptitiously follows Dori into the dangerous situation and greatly assists her in apprehending the real culprits. Dori subsequently demonstrates her own admiration for Sledge by declining a publicly-awarded promotion that would minimize Sledge's contribution. It is apparent that their partnership will become permanent.
—Sam Spear