#1
Take a look at this link regarding the DHS and social media. What are the arguments for DHS to monitor social media and what are the arguments against? What are the impacts upon civil liberties having a government agency monitor your actions? Are the monitoring activities providing security? If so, is it worth losing civil liberties? As students of criminal justice, these are questions you should ask when questioning such policies.
This article provides a window into what the government may be paying attention to, versus what their real goals in monitoring the sites may be. I think that to monitor these sites is a necessity as this is usually the very first place that breaking news is released and in the case of a real emergency, the appropriate officials will be aware of what is going on and can mobilize the correct response. Arguments in support of the monitoring relay this same sentiment. Arguments against the monitoring highlight the impact this may have on our right to freedom of speech and to some extent our expected right to privacy. Are the monitoring activities providing security? Yes, I think so. After the events of 9/11, not single statement against the government or any of its agencies should be taken lightly. I think that we do have the right to free speech, but today is a much different day than it was even 20 years ago. Social media has become a terrorists’ recruiting tool and monitoring activity online is in the best interest of the Nation and our safety. I am willing to forego some of my civil liberties to remain safe, although some may not agree with me. DHS states that they only monitor the activity that may prove to be a threat to our Nation, however I am not sure that I think this is completely the case. I think that the government wants to know the sentiment of the people, however I think this is a positive thing if they are using these findings to refine some of their practices. I think we can only benefit from social media monitoring, regardless of what or why the government is actually keeping tabs.

#2
Regarding international responses to crime. What are some international organizations that work on fighting international crime? Are they effective? Use your readings to support your response and provide an internet link to their websites

#3
What role does the media play on how the public perceives crime? Has it changed in America over time? Does the media affect crime rates? If so, how? Provide an internet link to a story that you would argue links the media to increased crime or lower crime.