US police spoof film sparks row

The clips feature San Francisco police officers in spoof skits

A police officer in San Francisco has been suspended for making a video with racist, homophobic and sexist content.

Up to 20 other officers also face disciplinary action for helping make the clips - apparently intended as a spoof on life in the US city's force.

Andrew Cohen, the suspended officer, told ABC network's Good Morning America he had only made the film to boost morale. It appeared on his own website.

San Francisco's mayor condemned it as shameful, offensive and sexist.

The video - which Mr Cohen insists was never meant for public viewing - feature such scenes as a white officer running over a black homeless woman.

The content ranges from immature and vulgar to sexist, racist and homophobic Mayor Gavin Newsom and police chief Heather Fong

There are also several references to officers having sex with prostitutes and a scene in which a cross-dressing officer appears to flirt with a colleague.

Making a joint statement, San Francisco police chief Heather Fong and Mayor Gavin Newsom said: "The content ranges from immature and vulgar to sexist, racist and homophobic."

Ms Fong said the footage made fun of Asians, blacks, women and members of the transgender and gay communities.

Appearing on Good Morning America, Mr Cohen defended the video as satirical and accused Ms Fong of lacking a sense of humour.

"We did this absolutely for morale purposes," he told ABC. "We did it for a Christmas party that was coming up, sort of to roast my former captain.

"We did it because there are some very fun and interesting characters at the station and we thought it would be fun to showcase and laugh at their idiosyncrasies and personalities."

The video clips have now been removed from his website.