This weekend, members of the San Mateo Police Department, along with other Bay Area law enforcement agencies, will set out on a journey through history through the Sojourn Project. Officers will retrace the trail of the historic Freedom Riders, beginning in Atlanta and concluding in Memphis. Along the way, the group will make stops in Birmingham, Alabama, and Hattiesburg, Mississippi. All four cities played pivotal roles in the civil rights movement.

The Sojourn Project is an educational initiative that immerses participants in the history of civil rights, fostering a deeper understanding of social justice issues. By walking in the footsteps of the Freedom Riders, San Mateo officers, alongside those from the San Francisco Police Department, San Francisco Sheriff’s Department, San Francisco District Attorney’s Office and the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, will gain invaluable insights into the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for equality during a critical time in American history.

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(3) comments

Crusher01

Local law enforcement gets a free vacation under the guise of civil rights education. Funded by civil asset forfeiture which is a doctrine created by the Supreme Court to legally steal money and property from Americans bypassing due process guaranteed under the 14th amendment. Doesnt anybody else see a problem with this?

Dirk van Ulden

Apparently they did not pay attention to the civil rights movement classes when in school. What a racket! What's next? A world cruise so that they can learn about other cultures? Truly a shameful abuse of public funding authorized by weak-kneed and/or confused supervisors.

Not So Common

Crusher, I definitely agree. "The People" should receive any civil forfeiture money since most victims of various crimes are not reimbursed. But San Mateo Police Chief Ed Barberini, did say "we honored to take part in this journey." Honored to spend other people's money, honored to live like kings, with all expenses paid vacation. BTW, there are 9 police officers / officials in San Mateo who make a combined annual salary of $400,000 or more. This seems excessive and then vacationing on someone else's dime takes the cake.

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