Installments
More than ever before, local police across the U.S. have transformed into small army-like forces using billions in grants from the federal government. With body armor and other tactical apparel, many officers now look more like combat troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan than cops on the beat. The list of equipment purchased by even small towns reads like a defense contractor catalog: assault rifles, flash grenades, even tanks and surveillance drones. And they are expanding their stockpiles, despite, in many cases, the lack of an apparent need.
How 1,200 people each year are questioned at the Mall of America as part of a counterterrorism initiative. Mall security acts as the eyes and ears of law enforcement and Homeland Security, but often ensnare innocent people.
Critics question whether the Office of Intelligence and Analysis is creating ‘intelligence spam.’ The office has also been beset with technology woes.
Follow the latest developments about American counterterrorism efforts, domestic intelligence and law enforcement in the post-9/11 world, including in-depth coverage of Department of Homeland Security spending, border security and surveillance, spying technology, weaponry, and personal privacy.