The Terror Watch List Database’s Troubles Continues

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(1) Why was the consolidated terror watch list created? What are the benefits of the list?
(2) Describe some of the weaknesses of the watch list. What management, organization, and technology factors are responsible for these weaknesses? (3) How effective is the system of watch lists described in this case study? Explain your answer.

The consolidated terror watch list was created because of the 9/11 attacks and the fact that prior to the creation of the list; which led up until the 9/11 attacks, there were several dozen different watchlists that didn't work in unison. This led to some of the alleged 9/11 hijackers being able to avoid detection despite being stopped for minor traffic offenses prior to the attacks on 9/11. These various lists were not universally shared and a lack of integration and cooperation between local, state, and federal agencies led to the U.S. lacking a central clearinghouse to allow all law enforcement and governmental agencies access to pertinent information about potential terrorist suspects on different watchlists.

Because of the creation of the national consolidated terror watch list after 9/11; proponents of this watchlist allege that major improvements in national security and counterterrorism efforts have occurred. The National Crime Information Center system, which is accessible to approximately 1 million state and local officers across the country, allows law enforcement and government officials to access information on suspects on the list. There exists tens of thousands of records on suspected individuals on this list that are updated daily and shared with law enforcement officials throughout the United States.

There currently are computerized programs utilized by the country to attempt to screen individuals whose name is on the list, but this often results in partial name matches and innocent people being harassed and treated ...