Showing 1- 1 of 1. Style Weekly's mission is to provide smart, witty and tenacious coverage of Richmond. Our editorial team strives to reveal Richmond's true identity through unflinching journalism, incisive writing, thoughtful criticism, arresting photography and sophisticated presentation. We make sense of the news; pursue those in power; explore the city's arts and culture; open windows on provocative ideas; and help readers know Richmond through its people.
We give readers the information to make intelligent decisions. Switch to the mobile version of this page. But police are more determined than ever to stop you. By Melissa Scott Sinclair. For this investigation, the reporter accompanied the Richmond Police vice unit on several operations during a yearlong period. Style agreed to change the names of undercover officers. We also agreed to not reveal certain police investigative methods and tactics, such as internal communication.
Because it is not crucial to the story, we have omitted the names of the men and women charged, and in some cases convicted, of prostitution or solicitation in the incidents described.
The vice unit is heading out. For safety reasons, officers rarely work alone. Tonight, they go out in pairs, in separate, unmarked cars, keeping track of each other via radio. The cars pass neon signs and abandoned shops, small motels and bus stops. Nick veers off the street and stops in a dim lot. He waits in the shadows off a quiet intersection, near a small church with a neon cross. Time to move on. A few more circuits and Will has another target. A few words exchanged, the young woman steps into his car and they drive off.
Will drives the car slowly down a narrow residential street. Nick tails him at a distance. He parallel parks on the side as soon as Will does, a short distance behind. Lights off, Nick waits for the signal.
