Federal and State Roles in Anti-Terrorism Enforcement

Anti-Terrorism
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Introduction
Terrorism has become a global threat. Unlike previously held perception that terrorism was only a challenge for certain regions of the world, latest events indicate otherwise. There is not one single part of the world that can claim immunity from terrorism. It is for this reason that anti-terrorism legislation has been enacted. The aim of these laws is to give the state legal capacity to use all means to combat terrorism. America has been on the forefront in fighting terrorism and the legislation has played a crucial role in ensuring that the vice is contained. This discussion look at anti-terrorism laws in great depths particularly focusing on their impacts and the role played by federal government in containing the menace.
The 9/11
The attacks in September 2001 on Twin Towers in America brought about a paradigm shift. President George Bush who was in power at the time made several radical changes aimed at ensuring that such an attack would not recur in the future (Chapman, 2015). It is then that anti-terrorism laws were crafted under the direction of the then Attorney General Ashcroft. Among the new introductions included smooth coordination that would ensure that law enforcers could effectively combat a terrorist attack. Further, the legislation would require law enforcer to share any information considered vital in combatting terrorism. In line with the legislations, the systems would ensure that agencies both private and public can freely share information.
Role of the States and Federal Government
The Federal government and the various states have shared responsibilities in combatting terrorism. The coordination between the two is done through the agencies of law enforcement and in coordination with the department of Homeland Security. The formation of the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center is one of the huge milestones made to ensure that there is systematic and smooth sharing of intelligence across the board. The model that runs the center is created by the federal government and overseas various states together with their law enforcement agencies. In this center, information comes through from the public and various sources of government (Chapman, 2015). Upon receipt, the information goes through critical analysis after which it is disseminated to different entities to whom the information is relevant. The management of the center is coordinated by the states and the federal government hand in hand. There is an executive Committee that oversees the...