Law Enforcement Since 9-11, Essay Example

In detail and around the world, law enforcement and intelligence-gathering have both changed in myriad ways since 9/11. But I think that, regarding domestic American life, all of those changes can be encompassed by the USA PATRIOT and Homeland Security Acts of October 2001 and November 2002, respectively.

My own strongest opinions about the changes in law enforcement since 9/11 are of course based on my own personal experiences. To mention only one, (and I’m sure a common one) last summer I dropped a friend off at the airport. We entered the secure area (I had to get a special pass). The plane was late. I found myself killing time by loitering around as we waited for the plane to arrive. I bought a magazine, got a cup of coffee, used the bathroom, and looked at some exhibits on the wall. I changed seats a few times to get a better view of the runway. Finally the plane arrived, loaded up, and then zoomed back down the runway. In spite of my pass and obvious presence as someone seeing a friend off, when I exited the area there were at least two security-personnel quietly but frankly watching me as I walked out.

That was not an example of intelligence-led policing. The airport didn’t know who I was. The ticket-desk that gave me the pass doesn’t talk to security about things like that. The guards manning the cameras were unaware that I had accompanied a traveler, having noticed me only after I separated from my friend. My actions were unremarkable but that was not enough.

Americans had and have understandable reservations about USA PATRIOT and Homeland Security. But I think for intelligence-led policing to really become effective, there will eventually have to be even greater coordination of information-flows so that higher levels of effective human intelligence can be applied to it.

As long as Americans fear Big Brother, it will have Little Brother underfoot.