New ASP Report Finds that Traditional Law Enforcement Tactics Have Disrupted Almost Three Times As Many Terrorist Plots As Post 9/11, Counterterrorism Measures
Washington, DC – Today, the American Security Project released a report analyzing 32 attempted terrorist plots foiled since 9/11. The report found that many of the legislative measures and law enforcement techniques that were adopted after 9/11 have thwarted attacks in a relatively small number of cases, particularly when compared with traditional law enforcement tactics. The report, authored by ASP Policy Analyst Germain Difo, counters many recent reports and public statements claiming that post-9/11 counterterrorism legislation and torture methods used against terrorism suspects in U.S. custody have been critical to thwarting attacks and keeping Americans safe.
“Post-9/11 counterterrorism measures—including the PATRIOT Act and amended FISA surveillance provisions, unlawful combatant designations, indefinite detentions, and the use of torture techniques—have been widely touted as critical to our counterterrorism efforts. However, research shows that these techniques and legislative measures have been instrumental in thwarting attacks in only a small number of cases,” said Difo.
Report findings include the following:
– Few of the terror plots thwarted after 9/11 were disrupted using a single, clearly identifiable method. Many of the plots were discovered through a combination of happenstance, allowing authorities to take advantage of what were, in essence, lucky breaks; diligent police work; foreign law enforcement cooperation; civilian-provided intelligence; and other means, none of which can be clearly identified as having been the most critical to thwarting attacks.
– Law enforcement techniques, detention and interrogation procedures, and legislative measures adopted after 9/11 demonstrably contributed to thwarting attacks in less than one sixth of the total number of foiled terrorist plots.
– Counterterrorism investigations leading to thwarted attacks have drawn heavily on traditional law enforcement techniques. 40 Percent of the post-9/11 terrorist plots were disrupted using traditional law enforcement techniques and capabilities—specifically physical surveillance, undercover agents, and confidential informants—to obtain information on terror suspects and their attack plans
To read the entire report, click here.
