San Francisco Vice

Policing morality has always been one of the most problematic jobs in law enforcement. And in San Francisco, where morality and related laws shift constantly, it is more complicated than almost anywhere else in America. In the 1950's it was illegal to serve a known homosexual alcohol. In the '90s, there are clubs where people dress up as slaves and pay for the privilege of a whipping and it is all legal. In this environment, the men and women of SAN FRANCISCO VICE must perform their difficult job. INVESTIGATIVE REPORTS goes undercover for a shocking look at the gritty world of pimps, prostitutes and bookies. Go along with detective Sue Rolovich as she snares Johns by impersonating a streetwalker. Listen in with surveillance teams as pimps talk about their women and the "victimless" crime they pursue. Ride along on busts and stakeouts, and hear gripping stories from the officers who patrol the seedy underside of society. Far from Hollywood portrayals, SAN FRANCISCO VICE is an unflinching look at the men and women who are charged with the difficult duty of protecting society from its base desires.

• documentary