Fixing the Failures of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks
Fixing the Failures of 9/11
9/11: A Systemic Failure of the United States Government
The events of September 11th, 2001 have had a larger impact on the United States Intelligence Community than any single event in its history. It forced the U.S. Intelligence community to look critically at their policies, organization, and how they handled business. The Joint Inquiry, 9/11 Commission, and Inspectors General found numerous deficiencies in communication, technological capabilities, and limited oversight. The government responded to these gaps through creation of legislation, implementation of regulations, a massive restructuring of the intelligence community, and utilization of new technologies.
The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism or PATRIOT Act of 2001 was the first in a deluge of post-9/11 anti-terrorist legislation. It enhanced domestic security through establishing a Counter-terrorism fund; increased funding for the Federal Bureau of Investigation 's information technology department; and created the National Electronic Crime Task Force network inspired by New York 's pilot program. The PATRIOT Act fleshed out surveillance procedures against Computer Fraud & Terrorism while expanding FISA of 1978. Through measures like: mandatory detention of suspected terrorists; implementing a foreign student monitoring program; and requiring new machine readable passports; the PATRIOT Act helped to protect U.S. Boarders. It secured benefit preservation for terrorism victims and first responders as well as for their families. Perhaps, most importantly, it removed key investigative obstacles. It allowed for DNA identification of terrorists and other violent offenders in addition to disclosure of educational records. The PATRIOT Act also helped facilitate communication between Law Enforcement and the Intelligence Community through breaking down legislative barriers and
9/11: A Systemic Failure of the United States Government
The events of September 11th, 2001 have had a larger impact on the United States Intelligence Community than any single event in its history. It forced the U.S. Intelligence community to look critically at their policies, organization, and how they handled business. The Joint Inquiry, 9/11 Commission, and Inspectors General found numerous deficiencies in communication, technological capabilities, and limited oversight. The government responded to these gaps through creation of legislation, implementation of regulations, a massive restructuring of the intelligence community, and utilization of new technologies.
The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism or PATRIOT Act of 2001 was the first in a deluge of post-9/11 anti-terrorist legislation. It enhanced domestic security through establishing a Counter-terrorism fund; increased funding for the Federal Bureau of Investigation 's information technology department; and created the National Electronic Crime Task Force network inspired by New York 's pilot program. The PATRIOT Act fleshed out surveillance procedures against Computer Fraud & Terrorism while expanding FISA of 1978. Through measures like: mandatory detention of suspected terrorists; implementing a foreign student monitoring program; and requiring new machine readable passports; the PATRIOT Act helped to protect U.S. Boarders. It secured benefit preservation for terrorism victims and first responders as well as for their families. Perhaps, most importantly, it removed key investigative obstacles. It allowed for DNA identification of terrorists and other violent offenders in addition to disclosure of educational records. The PATRIOT Act also helped facilitate communication between Law Enforcement and the Intelligence Community through breaking down legislative barriers and
References: Sensenbrenner, J. (2001).Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act Retrieved Dec. 01, 2012 from: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/107/hr3162/text (2002) (2004). Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act. Retrieved Dec, 01, 2012 from http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-108publ458/pdf/PLAW-108publ458.pdf ' National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (2006). The USA PATRIOT Act: Preserving Life and Liberty. Retrieved Dec. 01, 2012 from: http://www.justice.gov/archive/ll/highlights.htm Malfatto, P Ambinger, M. (2009). The Real Intelligence Wars: Oversight and Access. Retrieved November 28, 2012, from: http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2009/11/the-real- intelligence-wars-oversight-and-access/30334/ Marrin, S (2011). Fact Sheet: the Department of Justice Ten Years After 9/11. Retrieved December 1, 2012 from: http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2011/September/11-opa-1136.html (2011) (2011). Ten Years After 9/11: Is Intelligence Reform Working? Part II. Retrieved Dec. 01, 2012 from: http://www.hsdl.org/?view&did=5484