Old-Fashioned Law Enforcement Stops Terrorist Plots as Often as Extreme Measures

Old-Fashioned Law Enforcement Stops Terrorist Plots as Often as Extreme Measures


In an attempt to demonstrate that terrorism can be thwarted without resorting to torture or endangering civil liberties, the American Security Project has issued a report claiming that most foiled plots since September 11, 2001, have come about from traditional law enforcement or other, non-controversial methods.

The American Security Project examined 32 attacks that were thwarted since 9/11 and found that in a majority of cases, “traditional law enforcement techniques and methods developed prior to 9/11, direct and indirect action by concerned citizens, and international law enforcement cooperation contributed significantly to identifying terrorists and preventing attacks.”

Specifically, in 13 cases, undercover agents, informants and physical surveillance played an important role. In five cases, concerned citizens alerted authorities about suspicious behavior. In another five cases, including that of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 attacks, “international counterterrorism partners” played an active role.

In three cases, however, including that of the Lackawanna Six, law enforcement authorities did use provisions of the Patriot Act and FISA amendments, such as roving wiretaps and “delayed notification searches.”

http://www.allgov.com/Controversies/ViewNews/Old_Fashioned_Law_Enforcement_Stops_Terrorist_Plots_as_Often_as_Extreme_Measures_100510

With good old fashioned legwork and methodical compilation of evidence.

We should never have allowed Bush to call terrorism an "act of war". We are still reeling from the consequences. The difference is mere semantics. War itself is a crime.