The Super Cops

The film begins with archival footage of a press conference where NYPD officers Greenberg and Hantz are commended by Commissioner Murphy for their drug and weapon confiscations. This sets the tone for their successful efforts in fighting crime in New York City. The scene highlights their reputation and the importance of their work from the outset.

Greenberg and Hantz graduate from the Police Academy and are assigned as probationary officers. They are initially tasked with low-level duties such as clerical work and traffic control, but they are eager to pursue more active roles in law enforcement. Their ambition leads them to frequently abandon their assigned tasks to follow gunfire sounds.

Greenberg is approached by an elderly man offering 'French films' (porn), and when he refuses, the man attacks him. Greenberg arrests him, leading to trouble for making an off-duty arrest without proper authorization. This incident marks their beginning of making independent arrests off-duty.

Greenberg and Hantz go undercover at Coney Island disguised as Texaco attendants and successfully conduct a drug bust under the boardwalk. They take their confiscated weapons and drugs to the local precinct, where the officers are surprised by the volume of illegal items they have recovered. This reinforces their reputation as effective officers operating unofficially.

The officers stop a stolen car on Convent Avenue in Harlem. They bluff their way into the precinct by claiming to be from a special division, gaining the respect of other officers. This demonstrates their resourcefulness and willingness to go beyond standard procedures.

Greenberg and Hantz are assigned to the 21st Precinct in Bedford-Stuyvesant, a neighborhood in disarray similar to the precinct. They are advised to keep a low profile but instead attempt to gather information by approaching local prostitutes and informants, marking the start of their full-time active duty in the community.

Using information from a prostitute named Sara, Greenberg and Hantz conduct their first major drug bust at the precinct. Their enthusiasm and successful operation earn them recognition, although they are nervous about their unorthodox methods and identity as probationary officers.

Captain Krasna doubts the officers' actions, suspecting corruption, and accuses them of being on the take. Despite this, he decides to support their independent investigations after realizing they are not corrupt. Sara warns Greenberg that a contract has been put out on their lives.

Greenberg and Hantz, warned of an assassination attempt, lie in wait for their enemies and make a daring daylight arrest. Witnesses and bystanders cheer them on, calling them 'Batman and Robin,' showcasing their bravery and popular support among some community members.

They are offered money to drop charges, but attempt to gather evidence of corruption. Their efforts are foiled when the District Attorney intervenes, and they face suspicion and resentment from fellow officers, some of whom see them as either corrupt or aligned with Internal Affairs.

Greenberg and Hantz track down the Hayes Brothers, who run Bed-Stuy's drug market. The brothers offer a bribe that the officers pretend to accept. As they try to meet the drug suppliers, Greenberg's wire is uncovered, leading to a violent self-defense killing of the Hayeses during a confrontation.

Following the deadly encounter, Greenberg and Hantz are placed on leave while the internal investigation proceeds. They are approached by a Knapp Commission officer proposing a scam, which results in a stand-off involving multiple factions within the NYPD. Resolution comes through their promotion, indicating acknowledgment of their efforts.

The film concludes with a re-enactment of the opening press conference, where Greenberg and Hantz are officially commended once more by Inspector Novick. Their journey from rookie officers to recognized heroes is celebrated, closing the narrative on their undercover and active duty efforts.