Profiling at US Airports Due to Security Screening

Since 9/11, security has become a major issue in the United States of America. For the last ten years, security has become one of the top priorities of the US government. Airports, sea ports, government departments and even private institutions have planned and implemented security programs all over the country to ensure the protection of the citizens of the United States of America.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Profiling at US Airports Due to Security Screening specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Airports are the main gates used by most of the travelers to enter a state from abroad or to travel from one city to another within a country. In this era of war, terrorism and retaliation, airports have to strictly monitor the individuals entering or leaving the country through air travel. The attacks of 9/11 have increased pressure on the aviation authorities of almost all the countries in the world including the US to manage and monitor the flow of passengers using air travel. Managements of airports all over the United States have revamped and implemented tight security programs to tackle the problem of potential terrorists entering the US. A few days after the 9/11 attacks, Congress passed the Aviation and Transport Security Act. Later, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was established. In accordance with TSA, government employees were given the charge of airport security all over the country. The TSA has implemented programs for screening passengers and the baggage that they carry. X-rays scanners, metal detectors, and bomb detectors were initially used for the screening. Later on, during 2010, full body scanner, pat downs and strip searches were also introduced by the TSA which led to much rage and criticism amongst the passengers (Bajoria). Some questions were raised by experts over the effectiveness of such security programs which led to the introduction of profiling. Profiling uses the available information about the passengers to judge whether they are low risk or high risk. Information such as behavior, criminal record, ethnicity, religion and travelling history is used to determine the level of risk of a passenger. High risk passengers are questioned and made to go through full body scans or pat downs. Low risk passengers usually face lesser problems during their journey from the entrance of the airport to the waiting lounge.Advertising Looking for research paper on homeland security? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Profiling and security screening at the airports of the US as well as other western countries have become hot topics of debate all over the international media. This study aims to discuss some pros and cons of profiling and security screening at the US airports, but the main emphasis will be laid on the shortcomings of such programs. It has been witnessed that the policies i mplemented by powerful governments are presented to the general public in a way which either keeps them from questioning it or convinces them to allow the authorities to discriminate a particular group of people. Well, it’s not enough to write a sentence and then expect the reader to understand and analyze the whole situation without providing strong arguments. So let’s start with the most widely known issues related to profiling and security programs. The first question raised on this issue is that whether profiling is effective or not. Well, we need strong arguments to agree or disagree. The advocates of the profiling and security screening programs argue that such security procedures are helpful in keeping the country safe. They insist that full body scans and pat downs can make it difficult for the terrorists to conduct their activities in the country and so it will be better to implement such programs. While making such arguments, they tend to forget that the terr orist organizations are very capable of using other tactics to conduct terror attacks. Terrorists usually have a strong network of intelligence and so it’s not that easy to catch them. The terrorists are not foolish enough to walk through the airport gates knowing that the security programs implemented there are very much advanced and there are chances that they will be caught. Many countries are profiling their citizens, including the US. The terrorists have another option of employing people from countries where profiling is not implemented yet, to conduct attacks. Profiling also includes noticing the general behavior of the individual while being interrogated. Terrorists can easily pretend to be someone else while such interrogations take place. It would be better to discuss Umar Farouk (also called underwear bomber) who was caught in December 2009 carrying explosives attached to his under garments. Well, the US government report showed that there was confusion about wheth er x ray scanners were able to detect the bomb or not. Also, these machines cannot detect anything hidden inside the body; consider the example of drug traffickers making use of capsules to transport heroin / drugs. Different people have different opinions about the effectiveness of such security programs. Some argue that profiling is more effective than pat downs and full body scans because checking the past records and asking some extra questions does not provoke the passenger as much as invading his or her privacy does.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Profiling at US Airports Due to Security Screening specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More There is another issue which adds more spice to the debate. Many people argue that, the manufacturers of those machines and technology have considerable influence on the government, and it is well known that in the capitalist system of the US, the big corporations have a major influence on the government, and so they force the government to ease their path to making big profits. Well, billions of dollars were spent on the purchases and installation of these security screening machines. Who paid? The public obviously, who is angry at the new procedures? The public again, who made billions? The manufacturers. Now it’s up to the readers to analyze the situation and then make their opinion (Debatepedia). Next discussion involves the issue of privacy of individuals which is invaded by the security personnel at the airports who â€Å"in the name of duty† deprive the individuals of the most basic human rights of liberty and privacy. During 2010, TSA introduced full body scanners at majority of the air ports of the country. Full body scanners enable the security staff to look through the passenger’s clothes and search for weapons or any other kind of dangerous apparatus which may threaten the safety of others on board. Many passengers have expressed anger over such programs due to obvious reasons. Invasion of an individual’s privacy is by no means acceptable to that individual even if it is legally implemented by the government. Passengers at many of the major airports of the country have complained about how humiliating such security procedures are. It is, more or less, like some form of erotic photography. Supporters of such programs insist on the need for such security checks while ignoring the importance people give to privacy, values and respect. The advocates of such security programs claim that, implementing such programs will reduce the risk of terrorist attacks in the country. Some answers to this argument have already been given.Advertising Looking for research paper on homeland security? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Another important issue related to this problem is the problem of discrimination in profiling. Majority of the Muslim and South Asian passengers expressed anger on the issue of discrimination on the basis of religion. It is not a coincidence that only Arab, Pakistani, Indian and African Muslims are singled out and interrogated. The west may have lost all of its values and culture, but the majority of the Muslims today value religious obligations and culture. Full body scans, especially, proved to be the most provoking for the Muslims at the US airports. Screening and pat downs of Muslim women has enraged the Muslims all over the world. Why is it that only the women wearing the Hijab are asked to stand out for extra interrogation only because she is wearing loose dress and a head cover while the rest of the women are only required to go through normal procedures? I consider this not as an accident. It is the practice of deliberately discriminating the Muslims. It’s not racial profiling, but racial discrimination indeed (NPR). The debate over the topic of profiling and security screening often excludes the opinion of the security staff working at the airports. Many security personnel have expressed disgust about their jobs of conducting pat downs, screenings, interrogations and even strip searches. They hate to touch other people while performing body searches and usually provide passengers the opportunity to abuse them. However, passengers also give the staff a hard time (Daily Mail Reporter). Works Cited Bajoria, Jayshree. â€Å"The Debate Over Airport Security.† Web. Daily Mail Reporter. â€Å"‘We hate obese passengers and people with personal hygiene issues:’ Now ‘abused’ TSA staff vent their anger at patdown searches.† Web. Debatepedia. â€Å"Airport security profiling.â€Å". Web. NPR. â€Å"Challenge: Airport Screening Without Discrimination.â€Å". Web. This research paper on Profiling at US Airports Due to Security Screening was written and submitted by user Elvis Hayes to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Free Essays on Dual Religions

In an era of great human discoveries arose a compulsive desire to learn of man's origins and place in the scheme of the universe. People aimlessly searched for one to guide them with wisdom on the right path, the path away from suffering. In the West, in the small country of Israel, such a man arose. But before him, another in the East came and went, a man of great spiritual clarity and charisma. Both men faded away, but they left legacies that changed the very fabric of history on opposite hemispheres. Both men had very similar teachings, and they spread across the globe almost simultaniously, changing the hearts of all whose paths crossed. In the dominating land of Rome to the west, a land of mostly athiest and diversibly accepting roots, an emperor arose, Constantanople, who admited his faith to being overtaken by the "holy light" of Jesus. It wasnt long before the church became a vital part in the political system of Rome. And as History tells time and time again, when the chruch and state intervine, collapse likely occurs. With massive sepperation between the Roman provinces, and economic and religeos unrest, the fall came to be. Christianity teaches the importance of the church over anything else, therefor new believers would go openly seek out a "Godless" locale needing the fullfillment of a church. In this church, new believers would learn that they too also must spread the word of God through the same methods - building a church and converting more people. The more people you convert in Christianity, the more rewards you will have in heaven. So take a man like Constotine who holds an entire empire under his bel t, and you can easily understand why this man wants to do some major converting. Caravans and soldiers off to war were especially susceptable; they would learn of the new religion in forign lands, then see the need to spread it whence returning to their hometown. Therefor the Christian "franchize" came to be. Buddhi... Free Essays on Dual Religions Free Essays on Dual Religions In an era of great human discoveries arose a compulsive desire to learn of man's origins and place in the scheme of the universe. People aimlessly searched for one to guide them with wisdom on the right path, the path away from suffering. In the West, in the small country of Israel, such a man arose. But before him, another in the East came and went, a man of great spiritual clarity and charisma. Both men faded away, but they left legacies that changed the very fabric of history on opposite hemispheres. Both men had very similar teachings, and they spread across the globe almost simultaniously, changing the hearts of all whose paths crossed. In the dominating land of Rome to the west, a land of mostly athiest and diversibly accepting roots, an emperor arose, Constantanople, who admited his faith to being overtaken by the "holy light" of Jesus. It wasnt long before the church became a vital part in the political system of Rome. And as History tells time and time again, when the chruch and state intervine, collapse likely occurs. With massive sepperation between the Roman provinces, and economic and religeos unrest, the fall came to be. Christianity teaches the importance of the church over anything else, therefor new believers would go openly seek out a "Godless" locale needing the fullfillment of a church. In this church, new believers would learn that they too also must spread the word of God through the same methods - building a church and converting more people. The more people you convert in Christianity, the more rewards you will have in heaven. So take a man like Constotine who holds an entire empire under his bel t, and you can easily understand why this man wants to do some major converting. Caravans and soldiers off to war were especially susceptable; they would learn of the new religion in forign lands, then see the need to spread it whence returning to their hometown. Therefor the Christian "franchize" came to be. Buddhi...

Annette Jacksion's Small Craft Store to Web Conversion Essay

Annette Jacksion's Small Craft Store to Web Conversion - Essay Example The lack of an already existent website can be viewed as a handicap, besides the low number of staff appointed to run the business. Therefore, the shop must look towards expanding its team of employees and creating a website that is comprehensive in terms of the details of products, purchase catalogue, and the like. Thus, this project management and expansion needs some analysis to begin with. The PAPERS Methodology is useful in such a scenario, when process, customs, promotion and web support are the major criteria in the formation and growth of the company. For instance, the eBay website employs the support of the customers and users of the website. They act as dealers of products and intermediaries. The website not only provides a great forum for buying and selling of products, but also gives the dealers, buyers and sellers the opportunity to discuss and share opinions and knowledge on various products via forums. The implementation of the philosophy of the selling of products and dissemination of information is in tune with the architectural compatibility

Nonprofit Assignment 2 Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Nonprofit Assignment 2 - Coursework Example With a mission to ensure racial equality and socioeconomic uplifting of all citizens, the organization boasted about 425000 members in 2007. Through its various departments like Branch and Field Services, youth and collage department, Legal department, and Education department, the organization looks to improve the living conditions of all American citizens and provide them with the best facilities available. The Association also does strong lobbying in the US government that is something contrary to the theories discussed in the commentary. The NAACP is also run through a proper hierarchical management system and takes the ideology of business processes in its operations. The organization also had a rivalry with the IRS at the point of its tax-exempted status. The IRS contented that the organization has been actively taking part in the political affairs which was obnoxious but eventually, the case went in favour of the organization(NAACP, 1997). The philanthropic foundation works under private ownership and is a division of the main for profit business of the Kellogg Company. Hence this is a good example of the corporate effort towards non-profit businesses. The foundation was the 7th largest foundation in 2005 with 82% of its founds spent in the US. The company also invests in a variety of programs including schools, and other social programs. The assets held by the company are humongous in volume with US $ 7 billion. This is in compliance with the theories cited in the commentary about the growing influence of the non-profit organizations. The new management framework employed by the organization enables it to emphasise on food, Health, Social wellbeing and Education and Learning. The organization, unlike many others, has been very successful in fulfilling its objective of helping children face the future with confidence, health, and under high security (W.K. Kellogg Foundation, 1999). The Association of Jewish family and children agencies

The Second Vatican Council Essay Example for Free

The Second Vatican Council Essay The Second Vatican Council began in 1962 and ended in 1965. For the first year Pope John XXIII opened the council, he unfortunately died in 1963. Pope Paul VI then took over and closed the council in 1965. â€Å"A combined total of 2,865 bishops and prelates attended the council, which issued sixteen formal documents† (John and Hardon, 2000). The second Vatican promulgated some of the most important documents present in the Catholic religion. They also changed the way the Laity were involved in the church. A Lay apostle is someone who has committed to God (through baptism and confirmation) and strives to deliver the divine message of salvation to others throughout the world. â€Å"The need for the apostolate is shown by the manifest action of the Holy Spirit moving laymen today to a deeper and deeper awareness of their responsibility and urging them on everywhere to the service of Christ and the Church. † (Jackson, 2010). Therefore the statement suggests that the Holy Spirit is the one to give us a deeper understanding of what we as Catholics must do to become a good lay apostle, and that our responsibilities are within the church and our beliefs in Christ. Nazzaro (2010) states â€Å"A Lay apostle walks closely with Jesus throughout each day†¦ We serve Jesus through service to others. † In order to become a good lay apostle we must be close to the Lord daily whether saying prayers or attending church, and in order to serve him we must spread the word of God to everyone that would be interested in following Christ. The Second Vatican Council made the dogmatic constitution on the Church (Lumen Gentium). This was a set of rules in which Catholic must abide by. The constitution of the church states that everyone is part of the church and therefore everyone has a responsibility for its growth and the spread of the kingdom of God throughout the world. Due to this responsibility the council recognised the need for the role of the laity to cease from being passive and instead become active. The role is stated by Paul VI (1964) â€Å"they may make Christ known to others† The Vatican II council was one of the most significant events to have happened in the Catholic Church. This was because the council made many changes, its purpose was to bring the church up to date by opening it to dialogue with the modern world in terms of other Christian traditions, other faiths, the cultural, the political and the technical milieu in which we all live. (Doyle, 2006. Bishop Butler, 1967). The church felt that they were ‘behind times’ therefore their goal was to modernise themselves so that they kept up with its people. This meant that the church allowed the freedom of speech to all catholic people. The council wanted a wider input from the community therefore they allowed the laity to have an active role in the church. Other changes included allowing women on the sanctuary, before the second Vatican only males could be alter servers. Churches were not encouraged to study the bible, but rather the catechism, however nowadays churches can study both. Catholics had little to do with Protestants and they weren’t allowed to enter protestant churches, this has also been changed. For most Catholics, the biggest changes the Council made was â€Å"the priest and altar turned toward the people and the Liturgy of the Word and the Canon of the Mass in the vernacular† (McInerny, 2001). This implies that the mass is now read in a language the people understood. Before the Vatican II, mass was read in Latin, which the Laity saw unsuitable as they did not follow or understand the ceremonies attended. The Laity played little part within the church before the second Vatican council was formed. The laity attended mass to listen to the word of God, which was delivered and preached by the clergy. However the insight of Vatican II now means that, â€Å"the laity have a full and active role to play both in the church and in the world. † (Kinast, 1979:384). This implies that the people of the church not only have to take part within the church but they must do their own duty outside of the church. This means getting involved within church events such as fundraising or helping out with the offerings within the sermons. The council felt there was many reasons for changing the role of the laity. One important reason was to enable the Church to adapt with current changes of the modern world. A quote from Pope John XXIII as on his deathbed (24 May 1963) (cited in Bishop Butler, 1967) was â€Å"Those who have lived as long as I have were enabled to compare different cultures and traditions, and know that the moment has come to discern the signs of the times, to seize the opportunity and to look far ahead. He recognised that the Church was at an important stage and that in order to seize opportunities and bring others into the faith, there needed to be a role for the laity. Bishop Butler (1967) supported this in stating; â€Å"Catholics were not meant to be museum keepers, but rather gardeners whose responsibility it was to prepare a beautiful harvest for a glorious future†. In other words, the laity are there to serve the Lord in as many ways possible, it would be an opportunity wasted if God’s children (the laity) were not sent out to spread the message. Lay Christians are dedicated to Christ and anointed by the Holy Spirit as aforementioned. They are called to be heralds of faith and through them the Church can become the salt of the earth. This is why the council felt it was important to change the role of the laity as they realised the Holy Spirit acted through them. There have been many developments within the church since the Vatican II. This includes the involvement of other helpers within the church. The Lay people due to the changes were able to do a lot more within the church services. These include readings and Eucharistic ministers. They also have female alter servers, which before the Vatican II would never have been allowed. Some felt that the Vatican II did little for the Church today; â€Å"Although the Second Vatican Council had enormous impact, it cannot be isolated from prior and parallel liturgical, theological, biblical, and social developments† (Mcbrien, 1997), however I disagree. Without the Vatican II’s introduction of the Constitution on the Church, the role of the Laity would not have been transformed to the state that we know today. Because of the Vatican II, the church today has many different roles for people. These include Church Church cleaners, flower arrangers, prayer groups, liturgy groups, pilgrimage groups (including taking the sick to Lourdes), bereavement care centres, parish teams, school chaplains and many more. In creating these jobs not only decreases the work load for the Clergy but it allows the community to get involved within the church and spreads the word of God. There are many developments that may happen in the future. Some have already been discussed but still have yet to be decided. One thing that may develop in the future is the decision on birth control. Although the Catholic Church has still banned contraception there may be good reason for the introduction of it for example the discussion of the prevention of HIV. Another development that could be changed is the marriage of priests. There will always be a place in the church for a celibate priesthood, but there should also be a place for a married priesthood in the church, stated by Daly (2011) (cited in McDonald, 2011). The statement provides challenges to the Catholic religion and that one-day the ban may be shifted. Another issue is that Homosexual marriage may occur in the future. Many religions including Christianity are still against this decision however, todays society is beginning to accept it and thus the Church may also come to the same agreement. A final development for the future would be female ministers. Although there has been much dispute about this topic, the church may alter its decision and adapt to the ever-changing society. Now that there is the Laity, the church must do its duty and continue to listen to the requests and suggestions made by the Laity. The church and the Laity can be said to be a family or a community and without the Laity or the Clergy present, the Catholic religion may not survive. Therefore the second Vatican’s decision on apostolate of Laity was very important as they help the survival of the religion and the message to be spread throughout the world.

Krashen’s Hypotheses of Second Language Acquisition Essay -- Foreign L

Krashen’s Hypotheses of Second Language Acquisition For decades, foreign language teachers wandered in a scientific abyss. Until 1983, there had been little real research dealing with the ways in which someone acquires a second language. Teachers mostly used the audiolingual classroom model that had been in place for the past twenty years (or, even worse, the literally ancient grammatical translation model that had been used by civilizations millennia old). Clearly, language teaching methodology was in a poor situation. In 1983, however, Krashen published the results of an unprecedented body of research and paved the way for a revolution in our field. His five-point hypothesis focused on the difference between the acquisition of and the learning of a second language. Krashen has his detractors, of course, not the least of whom are American school districts, which have been reluctant to implement his teachings. Most experts agree, however, that his ideas are the most meritorious of the theories in circulation now, an d schools that refuse to incorporate them are doing their students a disservice. The first of Krashen’s hypotheses is the learning-acquisition hypothesis, which differentiates the two titular terms. According to Krashen, â€Å"acquisition† refers to the implicit knowledge we have of a language, whereas â€Å"learning† refers to explicit knowledge about a language. Implicit knowledge refers to command of a language as if it were one’s native language; explicit knowledge is what we unfortunately gain in most foreign language classes. One good example of this in Spanish is the phrase â€Å"me llamo,† which literally means â€Å"I call myself† but is usually translated by Spanish teachers as â€Å"my name is.... ... on teachers to find objective methods of evaluating students, which can be extremely difficult to do if they heed Krashen’s advice. The price that students pay for steady grading is, unfortunately, genuine competence in their chosen language, and it is far too high. The pending change in second-language teaching is often called an â€Å"incomplete revolution† because the educational establishment refuses to implement the system despite its acknowledged merits, choosing instead to languish in the mediocrity we face today. WORKS CITED Krashen, Stephen. Principles and Practice in Second Language Acquisition. New York: Pergamon Press. 1982 Omaggio, Alice C. Teaching Language in Context. Proficiency Oriented Instruction. Boston: Heinle and Heinle. 1986 Sole, Yolanda Russino. â€Å"The input hypothesis and the bilingual learner.† Bilingual Review 19:2. 99-100.

Barriers to Effective Communication Essay

Effective communication is a major element to success in any relationship, business, or organization. Communication barriers attempt to impede, and in some instances stop, the successful completion of the communication process. Law Enforcement agencies are susceptible to the consequences of ineffective communication and should work toward reducing and eliminating barriers blocking the flow of communication. Organizational flaws in the entangled hodgepodge of agencies within the American criminal justice system cause various communication barriers resulting in confusion and inefficiencies throughout the system. Law enforcement agencies began sharing more information after the attacks on 9/11 but barriers still exist. Understanding the communication process and using active listening skills is vital to overcoming barriers to effective communication. Process of Communication Wallace and Roberson (2009) define communication as, â€Å"a process involving several steps, among two or more persons, for the primary purpose of exchanging information† (p. 15). The communication process is dependent on the sender’s ability to create an understandable message for the recipient and the recipient’s ability to interpret the message. The process begins by transmitting an idea into a message made of carefully chosen symbols understandable to the receiver (Wallace & Roberson, 2009). To ensure success of the communication process, the sender should consider the recipient’s point of view while forming the message and selecting the means of transmission. The message can take the form of writing, speaking, or movement (Wallace & Roberson, 2009). Receipt of the message is very important or the process of communication stops. Sending the message using the appropriate medium continues the communication process to the next step. Understanding the idea of the message requires interpretation by the recipient. The receiver interprets the message and provides feedback to the sender. Feedback indicates receipt of the message and whether the message was understood or requires more information. Formal and Informal Channels of Communication Information flows up and down through the police organizations according to the chain of command. The formal channels of communication within police organizations require strict adherence to order, written memorandums, and directives (Wallace & Roberson, 2009). The Momentum that information flows within the formal channels is slow creating a delay in sharing new information throughout the organization. Slow transmission reduces organizational efficiency, wastes valuable time, resources, and puts the reputation of the police agency at risk. Formal channels are restrictive and at times seem unnecessary but police agencies do receive benefits using the formal channels. Through formal channels, all officers receive the same directions in an understandable message that reduces confusion among officers and creates documentation for later reference (Wallace & Roberson, 2009). Informal channels of communication exist in all law enforcement agencies and are used to pass information outside the formal channels of communication. Informal channels of communication give officers a break from the rigid protocol of formal channels. Opportunities for personal discussions that build camaraderie naturally improve morale and work performance. Police agencies know the benefits of informal channels of communication. When the right balance of formal and informal communications is achieved, the agency becomes a united police force. Overcoming Barriers to Effective Communication  The barriers that influence effective communication within the criminal justice system are emotional barriers, physical barriers, semantic barriers, and ineffective listening (Wallace & Roberson, 2009). The sender and receiver both can contribute emotional barriers reducing effective communication by allowing beliefs, attitudes, perceptions, and life experiences to enter the process. Criminal justice professionals can overcome emotional barriers by using peer support systems within the police department or support from outside sources (Wallace & Roberson, 2009). Physical barriers are obstructions that interfere with movement of a message and are the hardest to overcome. The weather, distance, and failures in technology are a few examples of physical barriers a police officer may encounter (Wallace & Roberson, 2009). Some barriers are out of the officer’s control and cannot be overcome quickly such as an ice storm that becomes a physical barrier when power and telephone lines go down ending communication. Semantic barriers consist of language differences and ambiguous word meanings and prevent a clear exchange of ideas resulting in failed communication. Hiring a diverse group of officers can reduce language barriers and choosing words carefully with the receiver in mind can help ease semantic barriers. Ineffective listening is another barrier present in the criminal justice system and occurs from disinterest, speaker bias, emotions, distractions, and words that invoke emotion (Wallace & Roberson, 2009). Every officer needs active listening skills. An officer using active listening skills can diffuse dangerous situations when armed with a clear understanding of the circumstances. Active listening is different from hearing. Hearing is an automatic response to sound and listening is an act. While using active listening skills the officer is processing what the speaker is saying with interest, free of speaker bias, and emotions, before giving a response (Wallace & Roberson, 2009). Improving and eliminating barriers to effective communication is achieved through education and self-improvement courses offered as part of a criminal justice professional’s continuing education. Communication Failure 9/11  The repercussions of failed communication can be seen in the attacks of 9/11. Many factors contributed to known terrorists entering the United States undetected and successfully killing Americans. Ineffective communication resulting in communication failure is one variable that allowed the United States to be attacked by terrorist from another country. The structure of American law enforcement agencies is conducive to linkage blindness. Grant and Terry (2008) define linkage blindness as, â€Å"the inability to analyze and link critical information across or within agencies† (p. ). Communication failed because Federal law enforcement agencies did not share terrorist information with state and local law enforcement agencies. Competition and territorial greed between agencies contributed to the loss of communication within the law enforcement community (Grant & Terry, 2008). Best (2007) stated, â€Å"Almost all assessments of the attacks of September 11, 2001 have concluded U. S. Intelligence and law enforcement agencies had failed to share information that might have provided advance warning of the plot† (Summary, para. 1). Congress eventually acknowledged communication barriers exist within the system of law enforcement agencies and enacted legislation and regulation to facilitate the sharing of information. Conclusion Most communication barriers can be overcome by using common sense and active listening devoid of emotion and bias. Police agencies and individual criminal justice professionals are responsible for learning and using active listening skills. Understanding the communication process reveals strategies to overcoming barriers that block the flow of information. Formal and informal channels of communication can drive the movement of messages forward or stop movement completely. When terrorists attacked the United States September 11, 2001 Congress enacted legislation and regulations to tear down the communication barriers that existed between law enforcement agencies. Communication barriers will always exist within the structure of American law enforcement agencies but efforts will continue to eliminate barriers within reach and reduce those harder to reach.