The Stasi.
While not directly (or even indirectly) about the topic at hand, there's a decent German movie called
The Lives Of Others that illustrates the workings of the Stasi.
While not completely accurate in its portrayal of East Germany
** - surprise, surprise, a movie that's not true to reality
- it shows well enough the emotional aspects as well as repercussions of "failing the regime".
** SPOILER ALERT
For example, it would have been incredibly difficult for a Stasi officer to conceal information from superiors because Stasi personnel themselves were subject to surveillance and monitoring.