Public Security in an Age of Terrorism

In the days following 9/11, the United States reevaluated its national security policies. A new office, the Department of Homeland Security, was established. A sweeping new law called the Patriot Act was enacted to strengthen the surveillance and law enforcement capabilities of the CIA, FBI, and other law enforcement and intelligence agencies. The government dramatically increased funding for security measures. Although most Americans supported strengthening national security, the broad range of new powers granted to intelligence and law enforcement organizations made some people uneasy. There was the potential that these measures could infringe on Americans’ civil liberties, such as the freedom of speech, transparency of government, and a system of checks and balances within the government. How much freedom were Americans willing to sacrifice in the name of national security? After the initial panic caused by 9/11began to fade, lawmakers and citizens alike began to debate the ongoing security concerns as well the ramifications of increased security measures.