Question: Assignment Objectives

Describe and discuss detection, inspection, and surveillance technologies, and how they are used by Homeland Security agencies to gather electronic information.

The Foreign Intelligence and Surveillance Act (FISA) and the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act of 2001 are controversial topics. The events of September 11, 2001 brought reality to the terrorist threat to the United States. As a result, new, relevant procedures and tactics must be implemented to protect and prevent terrorism in the homeland. FISA and the Patriot Act are two solutions to the terrorism threat.

Assignment Guidelines

Research the provisions of both FISA and the Patriot Act.

Briefly summarize these 2 pieces of legislation.

Using scholarly references, identify 1-2 supportive and 1-2 opposing positions on both FISA and the Patriot Act.

Select 2-3 items from the following list or any other types of surveillance, detection, or inspection technologies used by DHS agencies:

Wiretapping

Video surveillance (CCTV)

Biometric surveillance

Deep-packet inspection

Data mining

Describe the selected technologies, and provide an example of a technological limitation for each.

Be sure to reference all sources using APA style.