December 21, 2011 - 12 am
By G.W. Schulz, Andrew Becker
Despite an overall decline in urban violence since the early 1990s, the past century has witnessed a series of dramatic and bloody events that have prompted law enforcement to examine their tactics and demand more sophisticated equipment to deal with perceived threats. Significant police reforms – from domestic surveillance to SWAT teams and special training on “urban warfare” – have been sought since these flashpoints of violence. No bigger shock changed law enforcement more than 9/11, which prompted a rise in intelligence gathering and the militarization of local police.
Read more »
December 21, 2011 - 12 am
By Andrew Becker, G.W. Schulz
Thousands of communities in every state have been on a gear-buying spree with the aid of more than $34 billion in federal government grants since the Sept. 11 attacks. The spending has fueled a rapid, broad transformation of police operations in departments across the country. More than ever before, police rely on quasi-military tactics and equipment, the Center for Investigative Reporting has found.
Read more »
October 26, 2011 - 12 am
By Andrew Becker, G.W. Schulz
Congress has called for further investigation of the Homeland Security Department’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis following a Center for Investigative Reporting examination that found the outfit has done little to add to or improve the nation’s intelligence data.
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee last month directed the Government Accountability Office, Congress’ investigative arm, to examine the department as part of a first-ever Homeland Security authorization bill.
Read more »
