...be watching; therefore, society grapples with the relationship between civil liberties and homeland security. Belief structures underlying the relationship of liberty and security vary among different political orientations in the United States. The disclosure that the Obama administration surreptitiously accessed phone records and infiltrated the internet activity of millions of Americans, has elevated brand-new questions about the public’s enthusiasm to sacrifice civil liberties in the interests of homeland security. This thread will provide a brief synopsis on how American’s can understand the balancing of a civil liberties perspective...
Words: 981 - Pages: 4
...Homeland Security Millions of innocent lives lost on 9-11-01. A problem not widely discussed in the United States much until September 11, 2001 the date of the attack from terrorist organizations on the world trade centers’ New York towers in New York City. The United States of America has not worried much about self defense or in this case homeland security. Due to the actions on September 11th homeland security has been the main goal of many politicians and voters. Homeland security builds coalitions and partnerships, protects civil rights and civil liberties, and develops human capital. Coalitions and partnerships are one of the key points of homeland security. Homeland security was created during Cold War. This was to protect the USA from the possibility of a nuclear war with the communistic government of the Russians at the time. Today the USA’s department of homeland security collaborates horizontally which is between different federal agencies. This is done to ensure communication between different federal groups. Also, this ensures that the different groups join forces concerning issues in the country. They collaborate vertically through different forms of government. One of the many coalitions for homeland security is the U.S. Department of States. This was created in 1789. It was made to protect the rights of people and foreign relations. This helps benefit the different forms of government having positive relations with other countries. Also homeland security...
Words: 555 - Pages: 3
...States much until September 11, 2001 the date of the attack from terrorist organizations on the world trade centers’ New York towers in New York City. The United States of America has not worried much about self-defense or in this case homeland security. Due to the actions on September 11th homeland security has been the main goal of many politicians and voters. Homeland security builds coalitions and partnerships, protects civil rights and civil liberties, and develops human capital. History The foundations and principles of homeland security are rooted deeply in American history. The preamble of the Constitution, as written by Governor Morris (1776), references the need to “insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense”, which are basic tenets of homeland security. Prior to the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2002, the vehicle used to insure this tranquility and common defense was the U.S. military. Three factors have significantly contributed to the development of this field: Executive Orders, legislation enacted in the wake of 9/11, and bringing the mission of ensuring domestic safety of United States personnel and assets under the aegis of one unified agency: the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Executive Orders have long been a method for a President to de facto create law or further define the powers of the Executive branch. The first Presidential proclamation issued in response to domestic unrest was the suspension of the...
Words: 1077 - Pages: 5
...TSA Public Relations By Victoria Czaia Contemporary Issues in Homeland security 25th October 2015 Introduction The TSA is fundamental in protecting airlines and the passengers and crew that board the airplanes. The September 11th attacks caused the government to take action and try to find a method in which to keep the public safe from terrorism. The creation of the Department of Homeland Security was the largest collaborative effort between agencies that the public had ever seen. Since that time, the DHS hired many men and women for the TSA. These men and women don uniforms every day represent and protect this nation. They meet roughly over two million travelers a year. That is quite a bit of responsibility and not all passengers are content with the new systems in place. The reason for this paper is to identify whether the public support is needed or warranted for the TSA. Security and civil liberties are on a thin line these days as the citizens wish to have their safety and their privacy at the same time. This writer will identify the issues within the TSA and the public’s lack of trust with the agency. Transportation Security Administration The days of walking into the terminal to say goodbye to relatives are long gone however, that is the way the older generation remember airline protocol. Older Americans do not trust the TSA and the newer technologies as much as the younger generation. Most of these citizens feel that the government should get rid of the TSA...
Words: 760 - Pages: 4
...PROTECTING CIVIL LIBERTIES IN THE AGE OF TERRORISM Name Institution Professor Date Protecting civil liberties in the age of terrorism Balancing civil liberties and fighting terrorism is a delicate task that is affecting the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It is evident that most Americans want the government to fight terrorism and at the same time, efforts against terrorism should not infringe on their civil liberties that are enshrined in the constitution. Polls conducted in the United States reveal that Americans are divided on the issue. Some feel that it is important for the government to safeguard civil rights and liberties than to protect citizens against terrorism, while others feel that it is important for Americans to sacrifice certain liberties in order to fight terrorism. The revelations by Edward Snowden that the government engages in massive surveillance through the NSA (National Security Agency) bring out the urgency of this topic. The passage of the Patriotic Act was the milestone in the fight against terrorism, but it has been controversial from the start. Proponents of this law argue that it is important if the fight against terrorism is to succeed. It is argued that the provisions of the Act empower law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and diffuse terrorism threats. On the other hand, opponents of the legislation view that it gives law enforcement agencies excessive powers and without the lack of restrictions, individual rights will...
Words: 1711 - Pages: 7
...Become More Security Conscious The terrorist attacks of 9/11 will be remembered as one of the most profound events that changed America drastically. People do not feel safe when the travel as they did before the terrorist attacks. Today just about everyone is a suspect. I saw on a talk show where a 5yr old boy from Normandy Park, FL. was detained and searched by TSA all because he has the same name as a terrorist who was wanted by the Federal Government. This country has become more security conscious since 9/11 because the security at airports nationwide has been increased and reformed; the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been created by the Bush Administration (the creation of DHS constituted the biggest government reorganization in American history); and America is becoming a closed border country. The type of country that the United States was before the terrorist attacks is totally different than the country that exists today. Heightened airport security is one example of increased security consciousness in America. After the devastating terrorist attack of 9/11, airport security has been the focus of America war on terror. Trying to curtail future terrorist attacks has become just as important as hunting down those who have been responsible for terrorist attacks in the past. The increased security in airports around the country has caused many flight delays. Protecting America has become a major priority of the aviation industry. Security has become...
Words: 772 - Pages: 4
...Barbara Gaskins Intro to Graduate Study in Criminal Justice and Security-AJS/503 May 30, 2016 Janna Taaffe Abstract Fusion centers were developed post 9/11 so that multiple agencies could exchange information among other agencies. What happened prior to and after 9/11 allowed the United States to see that agencies were not communicating and even though they had received warnings they did not know that an terrorist attack would have happened in the United States. It is of importance that different agencies has communication with each other so that if one receives information then everyone else can be aware of the information too. Interagency Collaboration The importance of fusion centers is that they develop and distribute products that utilizes the assistance of local entities leading up national-level information by sharing critical state and local intelligence and information with the federal government and amongst each other. This became very important after 9/11. The tragic incident that occurred on 9/11 is a pivotal point in the changes that have come into existence due to the national security of the United States. This incident allowed the agencies to become more forthcoming about information that may have been acquired that would have benefitted everyone as a whole if all the agencies had access to the information. Federal mechanisms that have contributed to the interagency collaboration and efforts, include the President, appointing a coordinator and...
Words: 1078 - Pages: 5
...U.S. Involvement in the War on Terror The War on Terror is tough to define. It is considered a war, but not in the traditional sense. When one thinks of war they think of enemies, a battlefield, weapons, and death. However, the war on terror is slightly different. The lines that define enemies and allies are blurred, there is no battlefield, and the weapons come in all shapes and sizes. Nonetheless, there has still been death. Starting on September 11, 2001, the War on Terror has been waged for many years and has included many groups of people. On September 11, 2001, hijacked planes crashed in to the World Trade Center in New York City. Known as the Twin Towers, the World Trade Center is symbolic of the United State’s “economic power and military might” (Rahman). Immediately following the attacks, President Bush named Osama Bin Laden at fault and declared the War Against Terrorism. United States Congress had allocated billions of dollars and authorized President Bush to take any measures necessary (Moore). This war, however, is different from a typical war. President Bush told people to “go about their daily lives” unlike during World War II where 90% of Americans helped the war effort in some way. The war on terror is a war “without boundaries…directed against multiple enemies, not just one adversary” (Raz). The United States government has defined the war on terrorism against those who are declared “terrorists” or anyone accused of “harboring terrorists” (Rahman). ...
Words: 2054 - Pages: 9
...The federal law enforcement can balance the need to protect the national security of the United States while still respecting and enforcing constitutionally-guaranteed rights as articulated in the Bill of Rights and civil rights statutes. They can do this by enforcing laws and policies but not exceeding the boundaries of civil rights and treating people with equality and respect. The primary goal of the government is to protect the people and within the department of homeland security, these goals are accomplished. The department of homeland security works in protecting the borders from the illegal movement of weapons, drugs, contraband, and people. And also promote lawful entry and exit, which creates an economic prosperity, and national sovereignty....
Words: 950 - Pages: 4
...U.S. Department of Homeland Security Chris Cabral National American University Abstract The primary mission of the Homeland Security Act is to prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, reduce the vulnerability of the United States to terrorism, and minimize damage and assist in recovery for terrorist attacks that occur in the United States. The U.S Department of Homeland Security was established after the 9/11 attacks to counter terrorist activities against the United States. Homeland security is officially defined by the National Strategy for Homeland Security as "a concerted national effort to prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, reduce America's vulnerability to terrorism, and minimize the damage and recover from attacks that do occur”. The major objective of the Patriot Act is “to deter and punish terrorist acts in the United States and around the world to enhance law enforcement investigatory tools" by dramatically reducing restrictions pertaining to law enforcement requests to search telephone records, e-mail communication, and health records. The Patriot Act allows for the emergency disclosure of electronic communications to protect life and broadens the definition of terrorism to include acts of domestic terrorism. Under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, the Patriot Act allows the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation or a designee of the director to apply for an order requiring the "production of any tangible things (including...
Words: 3497 - Pages: 14
...Invasive Security: Does it Work Bruno Gerardo Introduction to Canadian Aviation (MOS 1022F) Dr. Suzanne Kearns 23 November, 2011 Abstract On September 11, 2001, the world watched in terror as America was under attack. As a result of these events, the aviation industry was restructured to improve reliability and security of commercial air travel. Although the new security changes have improved the overall safety of air travel, concerns have been raised that the changes introduced are invasive to privacy, and are an infringement of individual rights. Biometric and advanced imaging technology have been criticized for this reason, however, they have been effective at preventing further terrorist attacks. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the security measures that have been introduced as a result of September 11th 2001, and evaluate the effectiveness of the changes and how they impact both safety and privacy. Keywords: Biometrics, Advanced imaging technology, September 11 Invasive Security: Does it Work On September 11, 2001, the world watched in terror as America was under attack. Early that morning, four commercial airliners departed from Newark and Boston with arrivals at San Francisco and Los Angeles were taken over by nineteen hijackers (National Commission, 2004). Two of these aircrafts collided with the Twin Towers in New York City resulting in the destruction of both buildings. An additional aircraft flew into the Pentagon in Washington D.C, and...
Words: 3337 - Pages: 14
...Physical security is becoming more important than civil liberties. Especially in regards to the war on terrorism. Terrorist use the threat of violence to support their ideological purposes. Therefore I believe that if captured, the United States must get information from them by any means necessary. Getting information from terrorists could prevent a lot of deaths of innocent people. It is very difficult to balance the security and liberty of captives when terrorism is involved. Getting information from a captive could possibly break up cells, stop a planned attack and capture other terrorist. So if that means administering torture to get that information, I'm all for that. I do not believe that terrorist should have the same rights as everyone...
Words: 365 - Pages: 2
...The CICC and GIWG Brief Advising and providing recommendations to the U.S. Attorney General on issues like advanced usage of technology, requirements, and cooperation between intelligence agencies is charged to the Criminal Intelligence Coordinating Council (CICC) and the Global Intelligence Working Group (GIWG). Working in concert, the CICC and the GIWG advocates for local police force agencies in the development and communicating of criminal intelligence to promote public safety and our Nation’s security. The recognition by the National Criminal Intelligence Sharing Plan (NCISP) of the prominence of the state, local, and tribal law enforcement (SLTLE) are vital ingredients concerning our country’s intelligence process. In order to establish the link necessary for improving intelligence and data sharing at all echelons of government, the creation of the CICC was a product of the NCISP. Law enforcement agencies from varying levels of government comprise this Council. In May 2004, the CICC was formally established and provided advice the refinement and implementation of the NCISP. (Carter, 2009). The U.S. Office of Justice Programs funded the Global Justice Information Sharing Initiatives which exists also charged with the development of methods and guidelines to effectively share information across the criminal justice system. The Global Initiative is responsible for the creation of the subgroup, the Global Intelligence Working Group (GIWG). The NCISP was the first product...
Words: 894 - Pages: 4
...The Patriot Act: A Constitutional Analysis Andrew Mills University of Memphis Abstract “The USA Patriot Act, enacted seven weeks after the September 11 attacks, granted the federal government sweeping new powers to expand surveillance, curtail financing, and deport aliens in connection with terrorist activity” (Stanford, 2003). This quote embodies the reasons for the heated controversy surrounding the Patriot Act. Whether one discusses the brief period of time leading up to the signing of the Patriot Act or the numerous provisions that resulted from the passing of this bill, individuals will likely have clashing viewpoints. The vast majority of the controversies surrounding the act involves whether or not it falls in line with the U.S. Constitution. Opponents of the act argue that it should have never passed through Congress due to its unconstitutionality. Those who support the Patriot Act often use its success in fighting terrorist threats as a reason to maintain it. After analyzing the bill and its provisions, its successes were made apparent, as well as its unconstitutionality. The Patriot Act: A Constitutional Analysis The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act, commonly known as the USA Patriot Act (USAPA), was signed into law during one of the most distressing periods in American history. Its hasty introduction spawned controversy across a variety of political spectrums. Concerns regarding...
Words: 3174 - Pages: 13
... and initiatives that help enhance our homeland security. Likewise, I have also learned about their limitations, which makes us vulnerable to many threats. Unfortunately, we must accept the fact that in a free society such as ours, there will always be a degree of risk. There are many threats or hazards that the government or the whole community cannot fully prevent for various reasons. Some threats or hazards are unpredictable and not well understood yet, while there are other threats that can be preventable, but they cannot be fully prevented because counter strategies could be in conflict with the flow of commerce or the civil liberties of U.S. citizens. One of the strengths that I have discovered about homeland security is the significant improvement in transportation security. Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, we have not experienced another terrorist attack of a similar magnitude. Terrorist organizations are well aware that at least here in the United States, security has improved significantly across the different modes of transport and perhaps that is why they are not trying to plan another 9/11 style attack anymore. Another strength that I...
Words: 533 - Pages: 3