At 39 Maria Flood is embarking on a brand new career as a police officer. After spending the last 7 years working in construction and raising her teenage son, Brian, it’s time for a career change. On her first days on the job in Sydney’s Redfern, a man has a dispute with his neighbours and threatens them with an axe. The situation escalates dramatically when he refuses to come out. Meanwhile, on Sydney’s northern beaches Probationary Constable Jacob’s patience is tested by partying teenagers and a man caught urinating on the street. At Goulburn police college, riot control training tests the mettle of the student recruits. And on the firing range, there are troubling times for Emily as she records her worst result yet. She suffers a major lapse of confidence ... with only weeks to go before graduation.

• Rodger Corser