Federal Law Enforcement

Overview

RETURN THE SCENARIO FROM YOUR DISCUSSIONS, IN WHICH YOU ARE THE CAPTAIN OF YOUR LOCAL POLICE MUNICIPALITY. SEVERAL WEEKS AGO, THE CHIEF ASSIGNED YOU THE TASK OF BRINGING HIM UP TO SPEED REGARDING TERRORISM. YOU BEGAN BY EXPLAINING THE HISTORY AND METAMORPHOSIS OF TERRORISTS AND THEIR TACTICS. NOW, THE CHIEF WANTS TO KNOW WHAT IMPACT TERRORISM HAS HAD UPON LAW ENFORCEMENT, AND HE WANTS YOU TO BEGIN AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL. THE CHIEF IS FAMILIAR WITH THE THREE MAJOR AREAS WHERE FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT WAS INFLUENCED BY TERRORISM (THE CREATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, PASSING OF THE PATRIOT ACT, AND THE REORGANIZATION OF THE FBI). HIS CURRENT REQUEST IS FOR A SYNOPSIS OF THE REASONS BEHIND EACH OF THE THREE CHANGES, AS WELL AS AN EXPLANATION OF WHAT THE CHANGES WERE. HE HAS ASKED YOU TO FORMAT IT AS A MEMO ADDRESSED TO HIM.

Instructions

CREATE AN INTEROFFICE MEMO ADDRESSED TO CHIEF GLEN EDWARDS THAT INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

Identify two changes to federal law enforcement from each of the three entities (the Department of Homeland Security, reorganization of the FBI, and the Patriot Act), for a total of six changes.

Summarize two positive and two negative measures these changes caused.

• Requirements
• Written communication: Must be free of errors that detract from the overall message.

Answer:

[Your Police Department] [Date]

MEMORANDUM

To: Chief Glen Edwards From: [Your Name], Captain of Police Subject: Impact of Terrorism on Federal Law Enforcement

Chief Edwards,

As per your request, I have compiled a synopsis of the impact terrorism has had on federal law enforcement, focusing on three major areas: the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the reorganization of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the passing of the Patriot Act. Below, I have outlined two changes to federal law enforcement from each of these entities, along with a summary of positive and negative measures resulting from these changes.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS):

1. Creation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA): The TSA was established to enhance security measures in transportation, particularly in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It implemented rigorous screening procedures for air travel, including passenger and baggage screening, as well as the deployment of Federal Air Marshals on flights.

Positive Measures:

• Improved security measures at airports and other transportation hubs.
• Enhanced coordination and collaboration among federal agencies responsible for homeland security.

Negative Measures:

• Increased logistical challenges and delays for travelers due to intensified screening procedures.
• Concerns regarding the infringement of civil liberties and privacy rights in the name of national security.

2. Expansion of Border Security: DHS significantly expanded its efforts to secure the nation’s borders following the 9/11 attacks. This included the implementation of advanced surveillance technologies, increased staffing of Border Patrol agents, and the construction of physical barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Positive Measures:

• Strengthened border security to prevent the entry of potential terrorists and unauthorized immigrants.
• Disruption of transnational criminal organizations engaged in smuggling drugs, weapons, and humans across the border.

Negative Measures:

• Controversies surrounding the treatment of migrants and asylum seekers, including allegations of human rights abuses and family separations.
• Challenges related to the effectiveness and cost of border security measures, including the construction of border walls.

Reorganization of the FBI:

1. Establishment of the Counterterrorism Division: In response to the evolving threat of terrorism, the FBI reorganized its structure to prioritize counterterrorism efforts. It created the Counterterrorism Division to centralize and coordinate investigations related to domestic and international terrorism, including the monitoring of extremist groups and the disruption of terrorist plots.

Positive Measures:

• Enhanced focus and resources dedicated to combating terrorism and preventing future attacks.
• Improved coordination and information sharing among FBI field offices and other federal agencies involved in counterterrorism efforts.

Negative Measures:

• Concerns regarding the potential for overreach and abuse of investigative powers, including surveillance of individuals and groups not directly involved in terrorist activities.
• Challenges related to balancing counterterrorism priorities with other law enforcement responsibilities, such as combating organized crime and cyber threats.

2. Integration of Intelligence and Law Enforcement Functions: The FBI integrated its intelligence and law enforcement functions to better identify, assess, and respond to terrorist threats. This included the establishment of the National Security Branch to oversee intelligence operations and coordinate with other intelligence agencies.

Positive Measures:

• Improved intelligence gathering and analysis capabilities to identify emerging threats and vulnerabilities.
• Enhanced coordination between intelligence analysts and field agents to disrupt terrorist activities and networks.

Negative Measures:

• Concerns regarding the potential for domestic surveillance and infringement of privacy rights under the guise of national security.
• Challenges related to the sharing of intelligence information with state and local law enforcement agencies while protecting sensitive sources and methods.

Patriot Act:

1. Expanded Surveillance Authorities: The Patriot Act granted federal law enforcement agencies expanded surveillance authorities to investigate and disrupt terrorist activities. This included provisions allowing for the use of roving wiretaps, the monitoring of electronic communications, and the collection of business records and other tangible things relevant to terrorism investigations.

Positive Measures:

• Enhanced capabilities for monitoring and intercepting communications used by terrorist networks and operatives.
• Increased efficiency and effectiveness in gathering evidence and intelligence to prevent terrorist attacks.

Negative Measures:

• Concerns regarding the potential for abuse of surveillance powers and violations of privacy rights, particularly with respect to warrantless wiretaps and data collection.
• Challenges related to oversight and accountability mechanisms to ensure that surveillance activities are conducted lawfully and with appropriate safeguards.

2. Strengthened Immigration Enforcement: The Patriot Act included provisions aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement measures to prevent terrorists from exploiting vulnerabilities in the immigration system. This included enhanced screening procedures for visa applicants, increased detention and removal authority for suspected terrorists, and expanded grounds for deportation.

Positive Measures:

• Improved vetting and screening of individuals seeking entry into the United States to prevent terrorist infiltration.
• Enhanced tools for immigration authorities to detain and remove individuals suspected of terrorist activities or support.

Negative Measures:

• Concerns regarding the potential for racial profiling and discrimination in immigration enforcement practices.
• Challenges related to balancing national security priorities with humanitarian concerns and due process rights for immigrants and asylum seekers.

In conclusion, the impact of terrorism on federal law enforcement has led to significant changes in policy and procedures, particularly in the areas of homeland security, counterterrorism efforts, and intelligence gathering. While these changes have resulted in important advancements in preventing terrorist attacks and protecting national security, they have also raised concerns about civil liberties, privacy rights, and the potential for abuse of power. As we continue to navigate these challenges, it is essential to strike a balance between security imperatives and the preservation of constitutional principles and democratic values.

Please let me know if you require further information or clarification on any of the points discussed.

Sincerely,

[Your Name] Captain of Police