The Negotiator

Lieutenant Danny Roman, a top hostage negotiator, is warned by his partner Nate Roenick about an internal suspect involved in embezzling funds from the police disability fund. Roenick is then shot dead, and Roman is called to the scene but cannot identify the informant or corroborate Roenick's suspicions. This sets off the chain of events leading to Roman's suspicion and investigation.

Evidence is found linking Roman to the embezzlement case, including a weapon and incriminating offshore bank records. Internal Affairs begins to view Roman as the prime suspect, forcing him to surrender his badge and gun while becoming ostracized by colleagues. Roman’s reputation is damaged as he is accused of involvement in the crime.

Roman storms into Inspector Niebaum's office, taking him, his assistant Maggie, his commander Frost, and con man Rudy Timmons hostage. The building is evacuated and placed under siege by his own unit, including the FBI, who are wary of Roman’s actions. Roman demands to speak only with negotiator Lieutenant Chris Sabian.

Roman makes several demands, including his badge, a funeral if he is killed, the identification of Roenick's informant, and the truth about his partner's murder. Negotiator Sabian attempts to diffuse the situation, recognizing Roman’s desperation and intent to uncover the truth.

Roman uncovers wiretap recordings of Roenick’s investigation that had been hidden by Niebaum. This evidence suggests that Internal Affairs and corrupt officers covered up the embezzlement scheme. Roman confronts Niebaum about the deception, showing his determination to find the truth.

Roman discovers that Roenick himself was the informant investigating the embezzlement, contrary to earlier suspicions. Niebaum admits that Roenick provided wiretaps implicating corrupt officers who bribed him to cover up their crimes, and Roenick was murdered for these disclosures.

As Roman threatens to expose the criminals, the corrupt officers infiltrate the building's vents and open fire, killing Niebaum. Roman defends himself with flashbangs and gains a temporary advantage, but the situation worsens as chaos ensues among the hostages and police.

The FBI assumes jurisdiction over the siege, ordering a full breach. Roman, with the help of Sabian, escapes in disguise and searches for the wiretaps at Niebaum's home, but the suspects are preparing to kill him. Meanwhile, Sandy Frost arrives to negotiate with Roman alone.

Frost attempts to bribe Roman to destroy Roenick’s evidence in exchange for a cut of the embezzled funds. It is revealed that Frost is the mastermind behind the scheme, the insider on the disability fund’s board, and the murderer of Roenick. Frost’s plan is ultimately exposed to the police outside the building.

Frost tries to commit suicide after being exposed, but is shot and arrested. The remaining officers involved in the conspiracy are also detained. Roman is rescued and taken to the hospital, with his badge returned by Sabian, symbolizing his vindication and the end of the conspiracy.