In the film, the Police Academy cadets have graduated and are assigned to the worst precinct in town, where they have to help Captain Pete Lassard fight Zed's gang.
In an unnamed city, serious crime is increasing, particularly in the 16th precinct, which is beset by erratic criminal Zed McGlunk and his violent gang, the Scullions.
With the citizens turning against the ineffective, outnumbered, and aging Metropolitan Police, chief Henry Hurst orders precinct Captain, Pete Lassard, to get the situation under control within 30 days or be replaced, granting him six new officers from the police academy graduating class of 1984: laidback Carey Mahoney, prankster Larvell Jones, gun-fanatic Eugene Tackleberry, gentle giant Moses Hightower, soft-spoken Laverne Hooks, and bumbling Douglas Fackler.
Seeing an opportunity to take Lassard's position, his Lieutenant, Mauser, plots to undermine his efforts and the new recruits, alongside his dim-witted partner, Sergeant Proctor.
Tackleberry is reluctantly partnered with female officer, Sergeant Kathleen Kirkland, but quickly falls in love with her after realizing they share a passion for firearms.
While on patrol, Mahoney and his new partner, the slobby Vinnie Schtulman, respond to an armed robbery at a lamp store owned by businessman Carl Sweetchuck.
In return, Mahoney swaps Mauser's shampoo for an epoxy resin, which glues his hands to his head and leaves him wandering the station naked and pleading for help.
Mauser, seeking to undermine their progress, releases the prisoners, citing improper arrest procedures and excessive force.
On the advice of his brother, Eric, Lassard hosts a street fair to regain public support, which is attended by the mayor.
Lassard summons every available officer to the zoo, but, hoping to take credit for the arrest, Mauser attempts to infiltrate it himself, resulting in him being trapped hanging upside down.
[8] Variety wrote: "Follow-up features much of the original's cast but none of its key behind-the-scenes creative talent, save producer Paul Maslansky.
Variety had little praise for the film, except "Metrano somehow manages to shine in these murkiest of circumstances, and Michael Winslow has a couple of good moments".