Case Study
FRTA in action
Pilot Program: The City of Hoover, AL
In 2022, the City of Hoover piloted the Freedom Riders Training Academy curriculum with outstanding results.
The program was offered to 100 individuals arrested during demonstrations in Hoover and Birmingham related to the killing of EJ Bradford and the murder of George Floyd. Upon successful completion of the remedial training, they each received a certificate of completion, and since the curriculum's implementation, none of the participants have reoffended.
This program highlights the impact of using historical lessons from the Freedom Riders to support peaceful, law-abiding activism.
Richard Rice, a pro bono attorney, led the demonstrators' defense and championed the Freedom Riders Training Academy as a compassionate and effective solution. With his advocacy, Judge Brad Bishop integrated the academy into the court’s pre-trial diversion program. Arrested demonstrators were offered an alternative sentencing, bypassing prosecution and giving them a fresh start.
Susan Fuqua, Hoover's Court Director, recognized the value of educating first-time offenders rather than assigning punitive tasks with little long-term benefit. She partnered with Nick Derzis, Chief of Police for the City of Hoover, who approved the program as a constructive alternative to strengthen community trust.
A Smarter Approach to Sentencing
Rather than imposing fines or labor, Hoover prosecutor Charlie Waldrep saw FRTA as an opportunity to educate demonstrators on lawful protest. Court Director Susan Fuqua worked with Chief of Police Nick Derzis and others to implement the program.
Recognizing its benefits, Judge Brad Bishop approved FRTA as part of the court’s pre-trial diversion program. With support from pro bono attorney Richard Rice, demonstrators who completed the training deferred prosecution, allowing them to move forward with a clean slate and no criminal record.Â
The training was led by Jose Vega, a 25-year NYPD veteran, FBI Academy graduate, and National Tactical Officer Association lecturer.
The course covered nonviolent resistance, constitutional rights, and the history of peaceful protest. By learning from past movements, participants gained a deeper understanding of how to advocate for legal change within the law.
Charlie Waldrep, Prosecutor for the City of Hoover, recognized the Freedom Riders Training Academy’s potential to address the rise in protest-related arrests.
Results & Impact
The program reduced court caseloads, saved taxpayer dollars, and strengthened community trust. More importantly, it provided a path forward for demonstrators, proving that education can be a powerful tool for justice reform.
The City of Hoover’s approach serves as a model for communities looking to balance accountability with meaningful change.
Brad Bishop, Hoover Judge
"After agreement from the city prosecutor, the demonstrators' defense attorney, and our court director, I approved the Freedom Riders Training Academy program for arrested demonstrators in Hoover as alternative sentencing. I view the training as a constructive program that strengthens community engagement and lowers recidivism as we've experienced no repeat offenders."
Charlie Waldrep, Prosecutor
"The Freedom Riders Training Academy represents a forward-thinking solution, transforming what could have been criminal charges into a lesson on law-abiding activism. It’s a model for cities across the nation."
