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Atascadero yard sign accuses police officers of racism

January 15, 2021

After the residents of a home in Atascadero placed a sign in their yard accusing police officers of racism, Police Chief Bob Masterson responded with a statement on Facebook. The sign depicts an officer in his uniform during the day, donning a KKK robe at night.

Statement from Chief Bob Masterson

“It is my firm belief that everyone has the freedom of speech as governed by the constitution and laws of California. Yesterday was the first I heard of the sign and my first reaction was to reach out to those residents in an effort to start a conversation with the people who live there. I want to understand their opinions and whether they feel it is reflective of our local Atascadero Police Department.

“After careful consideration, I decided I would not want my actions to be perceived as interference with their freedom of speech. I would hope that the person who posted the sign would reach out to me so we may have this conversation.

“I am a new Chief to Atascadero and do not believe our officers have any prejudicial views, but if there are, I would most certainly like to have that knowledge, so I may address it. I am a firm believer that all of us in society have some biases, but that it is important that we acknowledge those biases and engage in meaningful conversation with people to both acknowledge those biases and resolve them in a helpful way.”

The police department is encouraging residents to reach out to Chief Masterson at (805) 461-5051 to discuss their concerns.


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We all have a different experience when dealing with law enforcement. Maybe this sign reflects theirs. I applaud the new police chief for his statement and I do hope these people speak to him. This is how we make progress.


36

Social media platforms are full of hate speech on all side.


8

Can I call the cops on my neighbor who still has his Trump Pence 2020 yard sign up in his front yard? I’m trying to sell my house and am concerned about my property value.


-26

I am surprised you haven’t already. Turn him in and have that S.O.B carted off to re-education camp. Then you can take his house too! S C O R E !!!!!!!!


10

So, just a sign? No accusations? No proof? They need to start telling the old fable “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” to kids again. But I suppose with kids nowadays it would fly right over their heads.


15

The generation of self promotion, Face Book, Twitter, Instagram, Tik TOk , yard signs. Just like today’s main stream media, one can express whatever puerile thought happens to pass through their undisciplined mind and express it with no consequence other than the general degradation of society.


14

is this even news worthy


17

Everybody looking for cheap attention.


41

The Chief is right. There are prejudice views. These signs are evidence of it and the person or people responsible are are most likely bigoted and full of hate. They are already bias and there is no chance of having a meaningful conversation with them.


I’ve tried to have conversations with three blm protestor’s on the street corner one day, and was called a “jack ass”, “mother f…..r, white pr..k, and finally was told to f..k off after them not wanting to have any meaningful conversation or even having inclusive answer for any question I posed. This took place in front of a young child around ten years old who was holding up a signs with them. They can’t engage in a civil conversation because that is not their goal or desire. Sad to hear and see, but it’s where were at.


24

Awful sign creator, you have proof of this? Easy to call names.


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