The U.S. Patriot Act

The U.S. Patriot Act was enacted in the year 2001. When it was initially introduced it was known as the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001. This act was established as a serious effort to both deter and punish potential terrorist and organizations from committing these acts of violence in the United States and other areas of the world. The dynamics and extensiveness of the act was unprecedented for the time in history when it was formally introduced. A major driving force in the acceptance of this act where both national and other world events that surrounded the tragic events of September 11, 2001. The events that occurred on that day were the catalyst for the record-breaking pace in which the act was accepted and signed into effect by then President George W. Bush. The bill was signed into effect on October 26, 2001, just over one month after being initiated and passed in the Senate. The sweeping of legislation made a huge impact on law enforcement agencies and their specific roles in assisting with the fight to combat terrorism. Some of the major components of the Patriot Act included, enhancing domestic security against terrorism, international money laundering abatement and antiterrorist financing act of 2001, protecting the border and improving intelligence just to name a few.

Once the U.S. Patriot Act was formally established there were several changes enacted in the existing laws. After inception, the powers of the federal government to both trace and intercept terrorists’ communications were greatly intensified. The laws pertaining to money laundering also received a boost and expansion in an effort to stifle the critical resources of the terrorist organizations around the world. Additionally, the U.S. Patriot Act also brought fourth powerful changes in the area of immigration law, allowing the borders to remain secure from foreign terrorists and organizations. Most notably, the U.S. Patriot Act amended most of the existing laws by establishing new federal crimes.

The passing of this act enhanced the tools utilized by law enforcement agencies. Building upon the initial benefits of the act; enhanced surveillance procedures, law enforcement agencies at every

 level reaped the largest investigative rewards from the section of the act pertaining to money-laundering and financial tracking capabilities as well as the increased information sharing among agencies. The act was heavily geared toward the major component that any terrorist organization can't properly function without finances. The ability to track, monitor and intercept the finances of these terrorist organizations proved to be a crucial tool in the war on terrorism in the United States and throughout the world. As early as a year after the passing of the act, there was rumor that over