The Challenge Of Terrorism Against The United States 044589

The Challenge Of Terrorism Against The United States Has Led The Us

The challenge of terrorism against the United States has led the U.S. government to create the Department of Homeland Security with the hope of leveraging federal, state, and local police agencies as well as intelligence and immigration agencies to cooperate in communicating findings and creating joint efforts to stop threats of terrorism or confront a terrorist attack. The current threat of terrorism has made many senators and representatives in the U.S. Congress think about combining all of the police agencies in the United States into one national police organization. The centralization of power would stop the discombobulated nature of the three government levels of police and provide a clear, overall standard on how to police not only terrorist acts but also crime in general.

Paper For Above instruction

The persistent threat of terrorism in the United States has significantly influenced the evolution of its national security and law enforcement strategies. Responding to these challenges, the U.S. government established the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2002, aiming to unify various federal, state, and local agencies to better coordinate efforts against terrorism. This strategic reorganization reflects the recognition that a fragmented law enforcement landscape hampers effective response and prevention measures. This paper explores how terrorism has reshaped policing, the implications for victims, and the ongoing debates about centralization of law enforcement agencies, including issues like racial profiling and the efficacy of agencies such as DHS.

Terrorism as a Domestic Crime and Its Impact on Policing

Labeling terrorism as a type of crime that can occur domestically has fundamentally changed policing in the United States. Historically, terrorism was primarily regarded as an international issue, but post-9/11, it has been redefined as a matter of national security and criminal law. The USA PATRIOT Act, enacted shortly after September 11, 2001, expanded law enforcement powers to investigate and detain suspected terrorists, blurring the lines between criminal and national security investigations. For example, authorities could now conduct surveillance without traditional warrants, and intelligence agencies could share information more freely with law enforcement (Liu & Nelson, 2011). These legal adjustments have resulted in a more proactive policing approach aimed at preventing terrorist acts before they occur, exemplified by increased surveillance and intelligence operations that operate at the intersection of criminal justice and national security domains.

Impact on Victims and Racial Profiling

The shift in focus towards terrorism and national security has had complex consequences for victims, particularly regarding racial profiling. Racial profiling—targeting individuals based on race, ethnicity, or religion—has been a contentious issue, especially in the context of counterterrorism efforts. For instance, Muslim Americans have historically faced heightened scrutiny, with post-9/11 surveillance programs disproportionately targeting Muslim communities (Gordon & Rader, 2013). Over the last decade, statistics suggest that incidents of racial profiling have either persisted or increased, exacerbating feelings of marginalization among minorities. According to a 2014 report by the ACLU, law enforcement agencies conducted thousands of suspicious activity reports targeting Muslim Americans, often based solely on racial or religious profiling rather than credible evidence (ACLU, 2014).

Legal protections for victims of racial profiling include laws such as the Civil Rights Act and various state-level hate crime statutes, but enforcement and effectiveness vary. Victims often face institutional bias, making it challenging to seek justice or relief. Proposed measures to improve protections include increased oversight, bias training for law enforcement officers, and community-based policing initiatives aimed at reducing profiling incidents and fostering trust (Pogash & Palazzolo, 2018).

Has the Number of Racial Profiling Victims Increased?

Research indicates that the number of incidents associated with racial profiling has not significantly decreased over the past decade. Instead, some studies document a persistent or rising trend, particularly against Muslim and Arab Americans during heightened security alerts (Reina, 2017). This trend underscores the ongoing tension between national security measures and civil liberties, highlighting the need for policies that balance effective counterterrorism with protection from discrimination.

Role and Effectiveness of the Department of Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created to coordinate multiple agencies involved in national security, including Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). While its primary mission centers on preventing terrorist attacks, critics argue that DHS may have duplicated efforts or encroached upon jurisdictions of existing law enforcement agencies. Nonetheless, DHS has contributed significantly by improving information sharing, enhancing border security, and raising awareness about terrorism threats (Sanchez & Fricker, 2008). For example, the implementation of the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) exemplifies DHS's role in coordinating responses to cyber threats, which are increasingly relevant in modern terrorism.

Conclusion

The evolving landscape of terrorism and national security has profoundly impacted American policing, leading to increased centralization efforts with the goal of creating more effective and unified responses. While these developments have improved intelligence sharing and preparedness, they have also raised concerns about civil liberties, particularly regarding racial profiling and racial discrimination. Moving forward, it remains crucial to strike a balance between security and individual rights, with ongoing efforts needed to refine laws and policies protecting victims from profiling and abuse. The DHS's role remains vital, but its actions must complement existing agencies without unnecessary duplication, emphasizing collaboration and community trust as the foundation of effective terrorism prevention.

References

  • American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). (2014). Muslim Americans Under Surveillance. https://www.aclu.org
  • Gordon, C., & Rader, K. (2013). Racial Profiling and Civil Rights Violations in Counterterrorism. Journal of Race, Ethnicity, and Politics, 4(1), 23-43.
  • Liu, J., & Nelson, T. (2011). Homeland Security and the Transformation of Law Enforcement. Routledge.
  • Pogash, C., & Palazzolo, J. (2018). Racial Profiling in America: Current State and Policy Recommendations. Civil Rights Review, 50(2), 101-124.
  • Reina, L. (2017). Racial Profiling and Homeland Security: An Analysis of Post-9/11 Surveillance Practices. Journal of Criminal Justice, 45, 12-25.
  • Sanchez, G., & Fricker, R. (2008). Building a Smarter Homeland Security: How the Department Is Evolving. RAND Corporation.
  • Statistical Data on Victims and Profiling. (2014). American Civil Liberties Union Annual Report. Retrieved from https://www.aclu.org
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2020). Year in Review: Mission Accomplishments and Challenges. DHS Official Website. https://www.dhs.gov
  • Williams, R. (2019). Centralization of Police Agencies and Public Safety Outcomes. Journal of Public Policy & Administration, 14(3), 225-240.
  • Zedner, L. (2009). Security. Routledge.

Related Assignments