Domestic Intelligence Efforts in Supporting the Homeland Security Enterprise

Domestic Intelligence Efforts in Supporting the Homeland Security Enterprise
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Domestic Intelligence Efforts in Supporting the Homeland Security Enterprise
Introduction
After 9/11, the United States government and citizenry became more curious about researching their agencies' ability to gather intelligence. Before this incident, no one thought that the United States could be a possible target for terrorism and that it would find the country unprepared (Dahl, 2021). This paper will discuss some of the capabilities and limitations of domestic intelligence in the United States and whether the US is adequately prepared and structured to handle domestic intelligence.
Capabilities and Limitations of Domestic Intelligence
Homeland security contributions to gathering intelligence data are immense. Homeland security is mandated to collect information, share it, and manage its use to ensure it is used appropriately. To perfectly achieve these objectives, homeland security established fusion centers within the organization. Fusion Centers disseminate information on all criminal activities, risks to essential infrastructure, gang activity, and other dangers in the immediate vicinity of the American people. It has been demonstrated that fusion centers can set up an advanced framework for intelligence gathering to fight terrorism at home (Dahl, 2021). Ensuring that the fusion centers are integrated with the latest technologies is crucial t ensure they continue being helpful to the state in combating terrorist acts.
One key limitation being experienced in domestic intelligence efforts is the limiting legislation. The Posse Comitatus Act limits the domestic intelligence unit’s ability to use the military's ability to arrest, question and detain civilians suspected of terrorist acts without congressional authorization. Opposing the institutionalization of the National Applications Office is another limiting factor. This institution would be equipped to employ satellites for domestic reconnaissance. The Posse Comitatus Act imposes these limitations to guarantee that civil rights are not infringed when data or information is collected utilizing DoD and military capabilities. Procedures for gathering foreign intelligence data are stipulated by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). This statute mandates that before spying on foreign targets in the United States, intelligence agencies must get a warrant from a secret court (Lambert, 2019). The US Constitution's Fourth Amendment safeguards people from arbitrary searches. This implies that domestic intelligence agencies cannot obtain data or conduct surveillance without a warrant, which needs legal justification and proof of the existence of a crime. Federal agencies' acquisition, preservation, use, and distribution of personal information is governed by the Privacy Act of 1974. This regulation limits information sharing with other agencies and mandates that agencies notify individuals and acquire consent before collecting information.
Equally, the close monitoring by congress limits domestic intelligence efforts. Congress is responsible for monitoring domestic intelligence agencies and has the authority to look ...