CitizensofSanFranciscoarestunnedbythenewsthatRobertIronside,thecity'shard-nosed,tough-talkingchiefofdetectives,hasbeenshotandleftfordeadwhilevacationingathisfriendthePoliceCommissioner'sruralretreat.Ironsidesurvivesthemurderattempt,butthebullethasdamagednervesinhisspine,leavinghimaparaplegic.Unabletogainreinstatementaschiefofdetectives,Ironsidegetspermissiontocontinueinvestigatingcriminalcasesasacitizenvolunteer.Withtheassistanceoftwoformerprotegees,Det.Sgt.EdBrownandOfficerEveWhitfield,andanewly-hiredaide/driver,MarkSanger,Ironsidesetsouttosolvehisfirstcaseasacivilianbyfindingthepeopleresponsiblefortheattemptonhislife.