SEC 315 Assignment 1: September 11, 2001

Assignment 1: September 11, 2001

SEC 315: Security Assessment and Solutions

Strayer University

Abstract

September 11 which is greatly remembered as the 9/11 terrorist attack, was a tragedy the United States has ever encountered. This paper will discuss the comparison of the security measures before the 9/11 attack and after the 9/11 attack. The comparison is done in order to find out which measurements have had the greatest impact towards deterring any future attacks. We will also see how the security changes may have personally affected me and in accordance of the actual 9/11 event. In addition, are there any speculation that did the security changes make me feel safer or the U. S from terrorist organization? We will also see if are there any weaknesses that still exist within the U. S. security and if there are any recommendations that can be made to improve.

Compare security before and after September 11, 2001 in the U.S. to determine which measures have had the greatest impact toward deterring further attacks:

The security measures prior to 9/11 was quite different than it is now 18 years later. Before that, you could bring darts, baseball bats, knitting needles, knife, box cutters, and even 4-inch blades on the plane. The Federal Aviation Administration did not make a big deal about nor did they have any strong metal detectors at that time to identify those items. However, since the 9/11 terrorist attack the United States have taken greater security measurements to better facilitate any further attacks. State, local, and all federal agencies have within the law enforcement has to come together, share the resources, and information to meet any new attacks or prevent any future attacks (Kim & de Guzman., 2012).

Evidence shows that the 9/11 attack was a great challenge that the U.S had faced ever faced, even more so than any natural disaster in the last prior decades. The security from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seemed to be at that time understaffed, as well as, underfunded, thus deemed to be a dysfunctional agency. During the Bush Administration, they did ignore many warning signs which failed to see any potential threats and take immediate actions. This led them to lack a readiness or be prepared for a terrorist attack. The anticipation of local policing seemed to be less critical at that time to any form of intelligence, and investigation at the same time they felt as though they had less direction from DHS (Johnson., 2017).

Describe how the security changes of September 11, 2001 have personally affected you:

During the 9/11 attack, I was fresh out of high, and in my first year of college. My first

day of class, I come out to see all over our television station in the halls of my college that something was happening on the news. As I look towards what they were talking about, I see that the World Trade Center in New York City, where a plane crashed into it and bringing it down. Everyone was shouting and screaming and many of those who had family and friends in New York started calling them on their cell phones. As I watched the news, the Pentagon in Washington, D. C., another plane crashed into. Now, everyone started running out and I started to panic.

Not knowing what was going on, I sat there watching the news and find out that a terrorist act was taking place. I got more scared, called my parents from a telephone booth and they asked me to head home immediately. America was in shock and in chaos as well as me and my family. I did not know what to think and was so afraid, yet, relieved that no family or friends I knew were in direct contact with that event. Being an Indian and having a people from Saudi Arabia doing this made me feel ashamed because they are the people who are so close from my hometown. People are then and now look at me some type of way even though I am no Muslim or from any Muslim country. Not to be bias or racist, but I do look like them and do not want to feel that I could be one of them who caused this attack or be afraid of me. These were the things that were running through me and in my head, especially, at that time.

The security changes affect me from then because I am unable to travel freely, or happily, because I am Indian, I bring a lot of Indian food from home, or certain items that I am unable to bring because of the security measures that are taken now prior to boarding any flight. That includes certain amounts of liquid form products, lip stick, or even a match box.

Speculate whether the security changes since September 11, 2001 have made you and the U.S. safer from terrorist organizations:

I believe that the security changes from 9/11 has made me and the U.S a bit safer than it was before. It is a bitter sweet moment at the airport where I cannot carry certain items or have to carry in certain amounts but I rather be safer than to worry about people who do carry items that can cause harm to me and the nation. The measurements that are being taken now because of the 9/11 attack has made many more improvements within the organization who are now working together to share their intelligence and using the resources to communicate within the agencies to prevent and promote the well-being of the people.

Suggest one (1) weakness of U.S. security that you believe still exists. Recommend a solution:

One (1) weakness that I believe the U.S. security still has is the proper technology system. Yes, we do have intelligent cybersecurity staff to help address and build the right system, however, lack the best equipment’s that are available from all over the world. I say this only because, many people from other countries seem to be ahead of our time and era that the find and build a better technology system. The U.S. is not known for their best when it comes to tech support and having the best cybersecurity system. Thus, leading it to be hacked easily and hijacked in a way where anyone can hack our system. The best solution is to hire the right people for the job and that includes getting people from other countries who are good in this type of job and teaching the staff here to better our system. United States have become better in technology, such as using drones, and electronic surveillances, however, the question in hand is, is it the best we could have (Wheeler., 2018).

Conclusion

September 11th, 2001, is going to be an unforgettable incident in the nation and all over the world. The support that is needed and security has greatly impacted in a way that all measures must be taken no matter what. This is always going to have a great impact on the people and the government, but should not make the U.S. look weak. Working together for the same purposes with the local, states, and all governmental agencies if the first start and the key for the same goal.

References

Johnson, T. C., & Hunter, R. D. (2017). Changes in homeland security activities since 9/11: an

examination of state and local law enforcement agencies’ practices. Police Practice &

Research, 18(2), 160–173. https://doi.org/10.1080/15614263.2016.1261253

Kim, M., & de Guzman, M. C. (2012). Police paradigm shift after the 9/11 terrorist attacks: theempirical evidence from the United States municipal police departments. CriminalJustice Studies, 25(4), 323–342. https://doi.org/10.1080/1478601X.2012.707014

Wheeler, D. A. (2018). Congress and the War on Terror: Making Policy for the Long War. Santa

Barbara, California: Praeger. Retrieved from

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