Post 9-11 Policing

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, municipal police have changed significantly. An increasing emphasis on intelligence collecting, new counterterrorism techniques, and the use of technology are three significant shifts. To detect and prevent future terrorist activities, local law enforcement has placed a higher focus on intelligence gathering and analysis. In addition, they have established fusion centers to facilitate information sharing across various agencies and groups. Agencies have created innovative ways to collect and analyze data from several sources, including the general public, other law enforcement agencies, and the intelligence community.

To help defend their communities, local law enforcement has adopted new counterterrorism techniques. According to Sturken (2022), authorities have created specialist counterterrorism units, set emergency response protocols, and trained personnel to deal with potential terrorist threats. For instance, militarized policing: police departments have adopted military-style tactics, such as using SWAT teams and deploying armored vehicles. In addition, they have engaged with community stakeholders, such as local religious organizations, to develop a culture of collaboration and trust through Community-oriented policing: police departments have established community-oriented policing programs, such as “Neighborhood Watch” and “Citizen’s Police Academies.”

Another change is that local law enforcement has embraced technology to increase its capabilities as agencies have implemented surveillance technologies such as facial recognition, body cameras, and drones to monitor their neighborhoods better. Additionally, they have invested in data management systems and software to provide rapid access to and analysis of vast volumes of data at the bedside. For example, police departments have increased surveillance, implemented intelligence-led policing, and used predictive analytics to identify potential threats before they occur.

Effect of These Changes

The changes in local law enforcement since September 11th can be viewed as positive since they allow communities to be better protected from possible terrorist threats. The increased emphasis on collecting intelligence, implementing new counterterrorism methods, and using technology creates a more secure environment. For instance, community-oriented policing programs, such as “Neighborhood Watch” and “Citizen’s Police Academies,” would help safeguard the community from potential crime and threats. However, some innovations, such as facial recognition or drones, might be perceived as intrusive and cause suspicion among community members. Concerns exist that the rising militarization of municipal police departments may be perceived as “over-policing” and may result in the misuse of power. For instance, deploying military-style techniques in municipal enforcement might result in excessive use of force, such as tear gas and rubber bullets, against peaceful protestors. Moreover, greater surveillance can result in privacy intrusions, as police departments collect information on residents without their consent. Sturken (2022) argues that it depends on how the changes are implemented and how much attention is placed on protecting civil freedoms.

Effectiveness of Policing In the Post-9/11 Era

Since the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States, law enforcement’s roles, responsibilities, and techniques have substantially transitioned. The attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon led to a heightened sense of national security and a greater emphasis on terrorism and homeland security. With the procurement of military-grade weaponry and the execution of counterterrorism policies, policing has become increasingly militarized. Besides, there has been a stronger emphasis on information collecting and predictive policing, as well as an increase in the use of technology, surveillance, and data analysis. Arguably, the number of police personnel deployed in public spaces has increased, as has the emphasis on community-oriented policing. According to Rodriguez-Hernandez and Cepeda-Ladino (2021), this transition has resulted in more interaction between police and the public and increased attempts to promote constructive ties between law enforcement and the community. This has included creating community-based solutions to address the underlying social concerns that can contribute to crime and unrest.

The increasing emphasis on intelligence collecting, predictive policing, and community-oriented initiatives has enabled a more proactive approach to crime prevention, positively influencing public safety in the post-9/11 age. Moreover, the increased presence of police officers in public locations has boosted individuals’ sense of security and deterred criminal activity. According to Rodriguez-Hernandez and Cepeda-Ladino (2021), the character of policing has altered dramatically during the previous two decades. As terrorism and homeland security have risen in importance, the police have adapted their priorities and techniques accordingly. This includes a greater emphasis on intelligence gathering and predictive policing and the deployment of additional officers in public locations. Additionally, an emphasis has been placed on community-oriented policing, which aims to develop positive ties between the police and the community.

In contrast, law enforcement still faces numerous obstacles in the post-9/11 period. Despite the increased emphasis on intelligence collecting, predictive policing, and community-oriented methods, improved training and better integration of new technologies and strategies are still necessary. Moreover, The Post 9/11 Era has also seen an increase in civil unrest, and the police have been less effective in maintaining order as the police are more focused on security than protecting life and property. The rising militarization of police forces has prompted concerns regarding using force and the possibility of authority abuse, for instance, excessive use of force, such as tear gas and rubber bullets, against peaceful protestors. According to Ullah et al. (2022), increased security measures have also caused a decrease in civil liberties and privacy, which can be seen as a downside to this increased effectiveness. For example, the increased militarization of police forces has caused greater fear and distrust in communities of color, leading to more strained relationships between police and the public.  

Conflict in the Post 9/11 Era Concerning Security versus Protection of Constitutional Rights

The conflict between security and the protection of constitutional rights in the post-9/11 years has been one of the defining challenges of our day. According to Rodriguez-Hernandez and Cepeda-Ladino (2021), the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks left a lasting scar on the American psyche. Since then, preserving safety and security has been a significant priority, which has led to a discussion over whether security or protection of Constitutional Rights should take precedence.

Security has been a primary focus since the 9/11 attacks, as seen by the Patriot Act, expanded monitoring measures, and more significant military presence in the Middle East. While these measures have been beneficial in averting future attacks, they have also infringed on citizens’ rights, such as the right to privacy and due process. On the other hand, after the 9/11 attacks, the defense of Constitutional Rights has also been a priority. The United States government has passed various measures to protect its residents’ rights, such as the USA Freedom Act, which limits the government’s monitoring capabilities. According to Stemm (2022), the Supreme Court has delivered several decisions that defend the rights of individuals, such as its ruling against indefinite imprisonment without trial under the National Defense Authorization Act.

In my opinion, safeguarding Constitutional Rights should take precedence over security. Security is essential, but it is not an absolute right, and it should not be exploited to violate the rights of citizens. The Constitution of the United States is the cornerstone of democracy, and its protections are indispensable for sustaining a free and democratic society. Without these safeguards, United State democracy may be weakened, and our community may be more susceptible to abuse and dictatorship. Moreover, protecting the safety and security of United States citizens requires safeguarding Constitutional Rights. Suppose citizens believe their rights are being violated. In that case, they are more prone to resort to violence and other types of discontent, which would lead to increased instability and violence, making it more difficult to defend our population from such assaults.

Ideally, security and protection of Constitutional Rights should not be set against one another. Both are necessary to maintain a safe, secure, and equitable society and should be prioritized equally. We can only safeguard the protection and security of our citizens and the strength and integrity of our democracy by upholding both of these principles.

References

Rodriguez-Hernandez, S. M., & Cepeda-Ladino, J. C. (2021). In the name of security?: Counterterrorism and insurgency policies and civil society in Colombia. In Counterterrorism and civil society (pp. 93-106). Manchester University Press.

Stemm, A. (2022). Necessary or Outdated: Are Post-9/11 Changes to US Police Forces Still Justifiable?

Sturken, M. (2022). Terrorism in American memory: Memorials, museums, and architecture in the post-9/11 era. NYU Press.

Ullah, W., Khan, M. I., & Iqbal, A. (2022). Vulnerable Governance And Role Of Law Enforcement Agencies (Leas) In Post 9/11 Period. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 6(11), 2488-2497.