Californias anti terrorism laws after september 911 - Essay Example

Revamping of California’s Laws since 9/11 9/11 was a black day in the history of United s. More than 3000 people died and hundreds of thousands more bruised psychologically. California has been specially in focus because three of the four planes that crashed, were targeting California landmarks. California, being one of the largest economy in the world, also houses the biggest number of important buildings, international corporations and film industry. It is also one of the biggest state in America with 80 districts, thereby necessitating urgent need to protect its vast water and land infrastructure like rail and road transport system, water system etc.

To safeguard people’s interests, new strategies and plans were required to be developed and enforced. Laws needed to be framed to make Americans feel safe emotionally, physically and politically. Therefore, the US Patriotic Act was amended and renamed ‘USA Patriot and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Act’. It was made more stringent and extra statutes included with wide ranging terrorists relating offences like deliberate and destructive activity against the state or its people resulting in loss of life or property, money laundering, surveillance and detention of people under suspect of terrorist activities etc.

with capital punishment introduced.California made special budgetary provision to combat terrorism. It made special provision in laws whereby a new department known as Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security was opened which was headed by Secretary of the department who in turn was directly appointed by the Governor. The department has four divisions: the Highway Patrol, Law Enforcement, Fire Protection and Emergency Management and Division of Victims services.California Highway Patrolling was equipped with additional staff and more sophisticated weapons.

Additional Air surveillance and staff was provided to guard key facilities.Special center called ‘California Anti terrorism Information Center’ (CATIC) was launched with an initial budget of $1.85 million to support anti-terrorism law enforcement activities with a state level criminal intelligence database which would coordinate with the federal agency. Specialized training was imparted and new high tech gadgets were introduced in Local Health agencies to detect and respond efficiently to bio-terrorism and chemical attacks.

After 9/11, California government has made serious efforts to reinstate public confidence by providing continued support to the families of 9/11 and implementing a series of legal and administrative measures to combat any future terrorist acts in the state.ReferencesDepartment of Public Safety and Homeland Security[Internet]. Available from: [Accessed on 20 May 2007].US Patriot Act[Internet].Available from: [Accessed on 20 May 2007].Video Surveillance and Biometric Technology[Internet].Available from: [Accessed on 20 May 2007].

State Budget[Internet]. Available from: [Accessed on 20 May 2007].