CJ 310- Project One Template

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School

Southern New Hampshire University *

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Course

CJ 310

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Information Systems

Date

Dec 6, 2023

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docx

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Uploaded by Arielpenton

CJ 310 Project One CJ 310 Project One September 23, 2023 TO: The Secretary of Homeland Security FROM: Director of the Partnership and Engagement SUBJECT: J oint C ounterterrorism I nitiative The events of September 11, 2001, prompted a great transformation in the United States' approach to counterterrorism, leading to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) , the 9/11 Commission Report, and crucial legislative acts. ( Creation of the Department of Homeland Security | Homeland Security , n.d.). These changes, emphasizing enhanced coordination, intelligence sharing, and a comprehensive homeland security strategy, have shaped a more effective and proactive response to terrorism, significantly different from the pre-9/11 era, as the nation prepares to discuss joint counterterrorism initiatives with international partners. The tragic events of September 11, 2001, not only altered the American l ives but also reshaped the nation's approach to counterterrorism in profound ways. Prior to that fateful day, counterterrorism efforts were identified by a broken system of agencies with limited coordination and communication. However, the 9/11 attacks served as a wake-up call that reveal ed the vulnerabilities of the United States to both homegrown and foreign terrorist 1 1

CJ 310 Project One threats. In response to this dire need for reform, the U.S. government tackled a series of changing measures, including the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the pivotal 9/11 Commission Report, and the enactment of critical legislative acts. ( 9/11 Commission Report: Executive Summary | Office of Justice Programs , n.d.). This brief ing explores the evolution of the United States' counterterrorism efforts, with emphasi s on the significant changes that have occurred since 9/11 and their relevance as the nation prepares to engage in discussions with international partners, including the British Prime Minister, on joint counterterrorism initiatives. Before d iving into the post-9/11 transformation of counterterrorism efforts in the United States, it is essential to understand the context in which these changes occurred. In the years leading up to the September 11 attacks, the U.S. government's response to terrorism was decentralized and marked by distinct agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and the Department of Defense, each focusing on different aspects of national security. While these agencies played vital roles in addressing foreign threats, they often operated separately , hindering effective coordination and information sharing. Prior to the tragic events of 9/11, the United States' response to terrorism was divided among various agencies, which hindered effective coordination and communication. Key agencies involved in counterterrorism efforts 2 2

CJ 310 Project One included the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and the Department of Defense(DoD). These agencies primarily focused on foreign threats and intelligence gathering. Furthermore, several historical events had already focused the need for a more robust counterterrorism strategy. The 1993 World Trade Center bombing and the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing by domestic terrorists emphasized the threats both from homegrown extremists and foreign agents operating within the country. These incidents revealed the gaps in the U.S. government's ability to prevent and respond to acts of terrorism effectively. In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. government recognized the urgent need to restructure its counterterrorism efforts. One pivotal development was the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2002. The primary purpose of the DHS was to enhance coordination and cooperation among various agencies involved in homeland security and counterterrorism. The 9/11 Commission Report, released in 2004, played a crucial role in shaping the post-9/11 response. It provided a comprehensive analysis of the failures leading up to the attacks and offered recommendations to prevent future incidents. The report led to significant reforms, including the creation of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) to improve intelligence sharing and the establishment of the National Counterterrorism 3 3

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CJ 310 Project One Center (NCTC) to coordinate counterterrorism efforts. ( 9/11 Commission Report: Executive Summary | Office of Justice Programs , n.d.). Today, key agencies responsible for counterterrorism efforts include DHS, FBI, CIA, ODNI, and NCTC. DHS, in particular, focuses on enhancing domestic security and has numerous components dedicated to counterterrorism, border security, and emergency response. ( Countering Terrorism - United States Department of State , 2023). Two significant legislative acts emerged in response to the findings of the 9/11 Commission Report: the USA PATRIOT Act (2001) and the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (2004). The USA PATRIOT Act expanded the government's authority to collect intelligence information and improved information sharing between law enforcement and intelligence agencies. It allowed for the sharing of grand jury information related to terrorism, increased the ease of electronic surveillance, and facilitated the sharing of information between agencies. ( USA PATRIOT Act | FinCEN.gov , n.d.). The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act led to the creation of the ODNI and the NCTC. This act aimed to break down the barriers to intelligence sharing and coordination that existed pre-9/11. It emphasized the importance of a unified intelligence community to combat terrorism 4 4

CJ 310 Project One effectively. ( The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA) | Bureau of Justice Assistance , n.d.-b). The United States learned several lessons from the 9/11 attacks. One of the most significant lessons was the need for enhanced communication and coordination between agencies responsible for national security. ( Hard- Earned Lessons From 9/11 Offer a Playbook for Combating Today’s Threats , 2022). Pre-9/11, agencies often operated in warehouses, hindering their ability to connect the dots and prevent threats. Post-9/11, the U.S. government's communication and response to terrorism have improved significantly. The creation of DHS, ODNI, and NCTC, along with the passage of key legislation, has led to better information sharing, increased cooperation, and a more comprehensive approach to homeland security. These changes have allowed the U.S. to better defend against both homegrown and foreign terrorist threats. In conclusion, the United States' response to terrorism has undergone significant transformation in the post-9/11 era, marked by a determined commitment to improved coordination, intelligence sharing, and a comprehensive homeland security strategy. These pivotal changes not only reflect the nation's dedication to preventing future acts of terrorism but also emphasized its commitment to safeguarding the security of its citizens and international partners, including our forthcoming discussions with the British 5 5

CJ 310 Project One Prime Minister and his delegation. As the United States prepares to engage in joint counterterrorism initiatives with global allies, it is imperative to recognize how these reforms have reshaped the nation's approach to counterterrorism, fostering enhanced communication and cooperation among agencies and nations in the collective pursuit of a safer world. Ariel Penton Government Resources 6 6

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CJ 310 Project One Creation of the Department of Homeland Security | Homeland Security . (n.d.). https://www.dhs.gov/creation-department-homeland-security Terrorism: reducing vulnerabilities and improving responses. (2004). In National Academies Press eBooks . https://doi.org/10.17226/10968 9/11 Commission Report: Executive Summary | Office of Justice Programs . (n.d.). https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/911- commission-report-executive-summary World Trade Center bombing 1993 . (2022, May 9). Federal Bureau of Investigation. https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/world-trade- center-bombing-1993 Oklahoma City bombing . (2022b, May 10). Federal Bureau of Investigation. https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/oklahoma-city-bombing Countering Terrorism - United States Department of State . (2023, February 27). United States Department of State. https://www.state.gov/policy- issues/countering-terrorism/#:~:text=The%20State%20Department %20also%20works,government%20approach%20to%20international %20counterterrorism. USA PATRIOT Act | FinCEN.gov . (n.d.). https://www.fincen.gov/resources/statutes-regulations/usa-patriot-act The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA) | Bureau of Justice Assistance . (n.d.-b). Bureau of Justice Assistance. https://bja.ojp.gov/program/it/privacy-civil- liberties/authorities/statutes/1282 7 7

CJ 310 Project One Hard-Earned Lessons from 9/11 Offer a Playbook for Combating Today’s Threats . (2022, July 21). Federal Bureau of Investigation. https://www.fbi.gov/news/press-releases/hard-earned-lessons-from- 911-offer-a-playbook-for-combating-todays-threats-wray-op-ed- 091021#:~:text=After%209%2F11%2C%20the %20country,collaboration%20and%20prevented%20information %2Dsharing. 8 8

CJ 310 Project One 9 9

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CJ 310- Project One Template

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