How the Patriot Act Helps United States Citizens

Many people believe that most terrorist attacks are spontaneous and random. However, the attacks are methodical and well-planned. Generally, the terrorists commit numerous crimes before an attack actually occurs. For example, they may use false student visas to obtain entry, trafficking of drugs, provide material support to terrorist organizations, and steal weapons and explosives prior to the attack. When all this activity is going on is when officials need to "pounce" on the terrorists.

The PATRIOT Act was established to "deter and punish terrorist acts in the United States and around the world, to enhance law enforcement investigatory tools, and for other purposes" (Bullock, Haddow, & Coppola, 2006, pg.519). And in order to deter terrorist acts, the PATRIOT Act allows the government a variety of "tools". Some of the tools are as follows: permits the seizure of voicemails, permits execution of a search warrant with delayed notification (sneak and peek warrants), as well as other procedures.

Creates new laws regarding the financing of terrorist organizations. Permits detention of suspected terrorists for up to seven days without charges or without initiating deportation.

Relaxes the restrictions on information sharing between agencies. Grants access to internet and computer information. The government can check medical records, student records, and credit records secretly and without permission. They are also able to monitor financial activities and records (Bullock, Haddow, & Coppola, 2006).

The above is a list of only a few of the tools available for law enforcement officials concerning terrorism. Most if not all of the above list, will actually allow officials to notice terrorist activity before an attack occurs. Some of the terrorist activities include false visas, theft, money laundering, extortion, financial support to terrorist organizations, and selling drugs. The terrorists commit those activities in order to support themselves, their group, and their mission (the attack). As mentioned above a terrorist attack is well planned out. With the Patriot Act, we are able to monitor suspected terrorists without many prior restrictions.

The Patriot Act also created new legislation as well as strengthened some penalties for terrorist related crimes, so instead of 10 years imprisonment they get 15 (example). According to Howard & Sawyer, 2006, "The radicals conclude that the United States has strategically killed Muslims to terrorize the Islamic nation" (Sawyer, & Howard, 2006, pg.221). Therefore, Al-Qaeda justifies the killing of as many American citizens as possible as Bin Laden declared war on the U.S. and her allies. That means that the United States should be granted extensive authority to monitor terrorist activity. However, as the years have passed since 9/11 many people are in an uproar about constitutional freedoms and rights concerning the Patriot Act. It seems like another devastating attack will have to occur on U.S. soil before they realize the severity of terrorism.

Reference List:

Bullock, J.A., Haddow, G.D., & Coppola, D., 2006. "Introduction to Homeland Security, 2nd ed.". Burlington, MA: Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann, pg.519.

Howard, R.D., & Sawyer, R.L., 2006. "Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Understanding the New Security Environment, 2nd ed." Dubuque, Iowa: McGraw-Hill, pg.221.