The Freedom Summer Project, initiated in June 1964, aimed to address the pressing issues of voting rights, voter registration, education, and civil rights in Mississippi, which at the time had the lowest percentage of registered black voters in the nation—only 6.7%, despite black individuals comprising over a third of the state's population. The project mobilized around 1,000 college students from diverse backgrounds across the country, focusing their efforts on this critical battleground for civil rights.

Tragically, the launch of the project was marred by violence when three volunteers—James Chaney, Michael Schwerner, and Andrew Goodman—were kidnapped and murdered shortly after the initiative began. Their bodies were later discovered buried in the Mississippi swamps, but the search also uncovered the remains of eight other black men, highlighting the pervasive violence against African Americans in the region. The slow pursuit of justice for these crimes, with some perpetrators linked to law enforcement, underscores the deep-rooted issues of accountability and transparency within policing.

The historical context of policing in America is inextricably linked to racial injustice and white supremacy, a legacy that continues to influence contemporary discussions about police conduct and community safety. The community review board emphasized its commitment to ensuring that all individuals feel safe and protected by law enforcement, advocating for oversight of both community interactions and internal police conduct. This ongoing dialogue reflects the enduring impact of the civil rights movement and the necessity for reform in policing practices to foster a fair and just society.