After 20 years of policing a crime-riddled district of Paris, Inspecteur Rene has learnt that it is far better to co-operate with petty crooks than to hassle them. And, in return for turning a blind-eye, he receives a welcome supplement to his salary. Rene's nice system is suddenly disrupted when he is partnered with a rookie cop, Francois, who is determined to rigidly apply the law at every opportunity. With the help of an ageing prostitute, Rene sets out to corrupt Francois. His scheme backfires with unexpected consequences...