Quis Custodiet Ipsos Custodes? Who Polices the Crisis?

Abstract

Citizens concerned about the continuing presence in Iraq, or multiple domestic crises in the U.S., are tempted to resort to tactics and strategies which are hallmarks of American democratic life: letters to congressmen, letters to newspaper editors, and other “speak back” forums. As a way of “policing a crisis,” citizen action and letter-writing and assembly protests have been effective tools for mobilizing public opinion and bringing attention to perceptions of failure in social policies. The Patriot’s Act of 2002, however, has brought a sense of threat to public protest. Widespread and non-accountable surveillance of citizens’ activities make policing the Iraqi —or any domestic—crisis a threat to personal liberty. Those who would police the crisis are themselves being policed.