Intelligence-Led Policing and Civil Liberties

Intelligence-Led Policing and Civil Liberties

Law Enforcement: Intelligence-led Policing

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The operating mission of law enforcement agencies around this country has changed dramatically since the attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies have been tasked with a variety of new responsibilities; intelligence being just one of them. Every law enforcement agency – regardless of size or location – has a stake in this global law enforcement intelligence initiative and, as such, must develop some form of an intelligence capacity in order to be an effective consumer of intelligence products (2007). But with these new responsibilities come new challenges. Dr. David L. Carter from Michigan State University, states that “law enforcement officers must understand the concept of law enforcement intelligence (LEI), its distinction from National Security Intelligence (NSI) and the potential problems an State, local, and tribal law enforcement (SLTLE) agency can face when the two types of intelligence overlap. A law enforcement executive must understand what is meant by an "intelligence function" and how that function can be fulfilled through the use of different organizational models”.

To what extent can race, ethnicity, and national origin be used in targeting suspects for stops, searches, and arrests? This has become a growing concern of many since the tragic terrorist acts that took place on September 11th, 2001. Previously looked upon as unethical and almost universally condemned, the use of profiles based solely on race to identify possible terrorists is getting a second look. Both proponents and opponents are looking at the legitimacy and necessity of this practice. The United States has fought a long and difficult battle against racism and discrimination. Lives have been lost and many liberties have been infringed upon in the search for racial equality. Now that the 21st century as arrived, a large...