In this discussion, you will participate in a situational assessment regarding impacts of combined technological and societal changes since the terrorist attacks in 2001. (Remember that these events bring forth a great deal of emotion; please be cognizant of maintaining strict focus on the discussion and subsequent feedback.)
Since September 11, 2001, Terrorism has become the most active subject in law enforcement. Primarily due to funding sources available through the Federal Government, cities and towns across the country have been focusing on anti-terrorism and counter-terrorism efforts. How does law enforcement balance perceived security needs with those community partnerships, particularly within Islamic communities?
Many of the technological advancements used by law enforcement have produced questions of Constitutional Rights versus National Security. Place yourself in the position of a 30-year old, Muslim male, a U.S. citizen and married with children. You are returning from Europe on a business trip, working as an IT Consultant for a major U.S. firm. You have traveled with your best friend, a Caucasian male, 28-years old, who is also a fellow consultant.
During your flight back, you note several people staring and whispering to each other. You realize your Middle Eastern roots are obvious and joke about the responses with your best friend. While somewhat annoying, you laugh it off and think nothing more of it.
As you disembark through Customs, you see your family waiting for you outside the Customs area. Suddenly, there are three Customs Agents around you and they inform you that Face Recognition software has (erroneously) identified you as a possible "person of interest" in their Terror Watch List.
What should your response be? How do you propose to defend yourself against the charges? What Constitutional issues do you see with regards to preventing terrorism?
As with all technological advancements today, the Constitution was written before any of these issues could be imagined. How do we ensure that crime prevention doesn't cross the line into a violation of our rights? Review previous readings regarding Biometrics during Week Two.