Homeland Security, Technology, and Our Privacy

Funding is a key concern when Homeland Security is so heavily dependant upon technologically advanced devices to aid in observing, tracking, detection, and positive identification of individuals in order to thwart possible acts of terrorism.

There are many new technologies that are being developed and older ones that are being refined and upgraded in order to meet this demand.  Here is one example, “Siemens Building Technologies Inc. is developing a video surveillance system that can pick up cars that inexplicably stop moving, pedestrians who appear where they shouldn’t be, or suspicious bags left sitting too long, using artificial-intelligence programs that can spot anomalies better than bored humans can.”  (Magnusson, 2004)  This will greatly aid our law enforcement officials since they are only human, but the camera never blinks.

There is yet another side to this issue of our security and that is the problem of our law enforcement agencies not being able or willing to share information.  Agencies must put aside their differences and be willing to share information between each other and the public.  Here are some of the findings, one author wrote, “There has been resistance to sharing information between agencies. In many communities the fact that crimes are being committed is concealed from the public as much as possible. No community wants to be perceived as being an unsafe place to live or work.”  (Kurlander, 2005) 

We all have concerns about such issues in society; however, it is better to be informed than live in dangerous ignorance.  Our country has too often lived by the “ignore it and it will go away” philosophy, it is high time that our government and law enforcement agencies pull their heads out of the sand.

Even if some agencies are willing to share there is still the problem of not having the proper software and network placement for doing so.  “Unfortunately, no national database exists for sharing information among criminal justice agencies concerning criminal activity and information contained within law enforcement incident reports.”  (Kurlander, 2005)

In time, hopefully, this will all be remedied, but then we will face another issue as a government, democracy, and a “free” society.  How will all of this new surveillance and information technology be regulated so it will not intrude on our privacy?  We do need security, but how far should we go when balancing this and our essential liberties?  I believe that one wise man had the answer to this question.  In 1759, Benjamin Franklin said, “They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”  This is a very powerful statement indeed.  As we move forward this quote should remain foremost in our minds as we craft our laws.

In conclusion, there are many questions that we need to ask ourselves when it comes to our use of technology and Homeland Security.  I strongly agree with what Benjamin Franklin had to say, but on the other hand, we do need to tighten the security of our nation’s borders.  There must be a correct balance between Homeland Security, privacy, invasive technologies, and our freedoms.  I am sure that this topic will continue to be intensely debated.  It is a current theme in the headlines of our news bureaus today.  We must all be active players and not sit idly by on the sidelines.  As a people and a nation, we have a voice and it must be heard, loud and clear.  This is one of the cornerstones that made this country great.  I believe that most of us would like to keep it that way.  Stay safe and wise America.  

References

Audit: Homeland Security Unprepared. (Sep/Oct2005).  Information Management Journal, Vol. 39 Issue 5, p10-10, 1/2p, 1c

Beckley, A. (2004).  The Future of Privacy in Law Enforcement [Bulletin].  FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, 00145688, Sep2004, Vol. 73, Issue 9.

Kirkpatrick, D. (2004, July 12). The networked way to fight terror. Fortune, Vol. 150, Issue 1, pg. 58-58, 2/3p, 1c.

Kurlander, N. (2005, October). The Crime Database Battle. Security, Vol. 42, Issue 10, 

pg. 30, 3 pgs.

Magnusson, P., et al. (2004, June 14). Welcome to security nation. Business Week,

(3887), 32.

The Quotable Franklin. (1995, July 4). Retrieved December 15, 2005 from

http://www.ushistory.org/franklin/quotable/