Saturday, April 27, 2024

Why Am I On A Government Watch List

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Are you on a federal watch list?

Merchant, an American citizen, is among the many people on America’s terrorist screening watchlist, a database containing information about individuals targeted as known or suspected of being involved in terrorist activities, according to the FBI.

The watchlist was created in response to the Sept. 11 attacks, and since then, has collected over 1.6 million identities, according to the American Civil Liberties Union. There’s no due process for people added to it, nor any official way to find out who has been added, according to human rights lawyers.

The random security checks started happening more frequently after her first detainment, according to Merchant. Hourslong detentions, fear and extensive questioning have become a familiar experience for Merchant and her family when traveling.

“, we had always been detained, we’d always been questioned and it stopped being random when you knew that every time you travel, my entire family, including the children, were asked to step aside, escorted by the TSA officers,” she said. “It just ended up becoming this traumatic thing for us to ever fly again.”

Unlike the “no-fly” list, the watchlist still allows people to fly. They are, however, subject to extra security, extensive questioning and hourslong detentions when flying or crossing the border.

What Information Is Obtained

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, OIG, excludes certain individuals and entities from participation in Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal health-care programs. The OIG imposes exclusions on over 15,000 individuals and entities based upon the authority contained in Sections 1128 and 1156 of the Social Security Act. Liberty will check the sanction database, which is updated monthly from data provided by the OIG, and contains 18 sanction types, comprised of over 50 categories.

How To Get On A Government Watchlist

The inner workings of a watchlist nomination are of course unknown the government has been extremely secretive about the names on the various watch lists. However, there are a few well-known ways to get your name put on the federal governments watchlist. It basically just takes any action that a machine-learning algorithm calculates is outside the norm.

Heres how you can get your name on a government watchlist:

  • Have a criminal record for terrorist-related activates.
  • Associate with a known terrorist, terrorist organization, or anti-government consortium. This includes family members and unfortunately, certain religious organizations.
  • Make frequent trips to areas or countries known to support terrorism. You only have to raise reasonable suspicion that youre involved in terrorism to make the list.
  • Have an active membership in an extremist group.
  • Be male, travel alone, and carry no bags on a one-way trip.
  • Internet searching for topics related to or attributed to terrorist-type activities.
  • Make an unusual purchase large amounts of fuel, makeup that disguises your appearance, unusual construction supplies, electronic components, out-of-the-ordinary farm supplies, flying lessons, etc. and pay with PayPal, Bitcoin, or a throwaway credit card.
  • Participate in several activities that alone may be OK but together could trigger terrorist suspicion. For instance, visit hacking websites, post a tirade against the government, build your own fireworks, and join the Tea Party.
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    U S Department Of Homeland Securitys List Of Consolidated Watchlists

    The U. S. Department of Homeland Securitys list of consolidated watchlists is, in a sense, a compilation of other U. S. government agencies and administrations watchlists. Based on a copy of the Terrorist Screening Database , the U. S. Governments consolidated database maintained by the Department of Justice , Federal Bureau of Investigation Terrorist Screening Center , the DHSs list of consolidated watchlists is used to facilitate DHS mission-related functions, such as counterterrorism, law enforcement, border security, and inspection activities.

    The general public is denied access to this consolidated list it is available only to government officials who have a need-to-know status. However, all individuals, regardless of citizenship, may obtain access to records consistent with the Freedom of Information Act unless disclosure is prohibited by law. Due to the limitations regarding DHS information access, though, it is next-to-impossible for ordinary citizens to see just what, exactly, the Departments watchlist contains.

    However, it seems safe to say that this is another U. S. government list you DONT want to be on!

    Library Records And Ebooks

    Government Spending On Healthcare By Country

    48 states in the US have laws that protect library records from snoopers, and two have legal directives that serve a similar purpose. To access a persons library records, a court order is usually necessary.

    Thats more protection than youll find on Amazon when buying an ebook. Amazon and other ebook sellers usually have privacy policies stating they also only hand over readers private information with a court order, but theres technically no law barring them from doing so. Furthermore, Amazon can keep much better track of what youre reading and how you read on its Kindle devices and companion apps. Amazon can not only see what you read, but what page youre on, when you read, highlighted passages, and any notes youve scribbled into the ereader.

    Only four states have laws about protecting e-reader data in libraries, so youre best checking out a physical book from your local library for maximum privacy.

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    Million Records From The Fbis Terrorist Watchlist Leaked Online

    • A copy of the FBI TSC terrorist watchlist leaked online for three weeks.
    • More than 1.9 million records were leaked, including data linked to the US No Fly List.
    • Unclear if this was an authentic FBI server or one hosting an illegaly obtained copy.

    A copy of the FBIs terrorist watchlist was exposed online for three weeks between July 19 and August 9, 2021, a security researcher revealed today.

    Known as the FBI Terrorist Screening Center , the database was created in 2003 as a response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Managed by the FBI, the database contains the names and personal details of individuals who are known or reasonably suspected of being involved in terrorist activities.

    While the database is managed by the FBI, the agency also provides access to it to several other US government agencies, including the Department of State, Department of Defense, the Transportation Security Authority, the Customs and Border Protection, and even some international law enforcement partners.

    While the database contains data on suspected terrorists, it is also better known in popular culture as the US No Fly List, being primarily used by US authorities and international airlines to allow entry into the US or travel within its territory.

    What Trustpilot Has To Say About Truthfinder

    TruthFinder customers posted reviews of the companys background check service on TrustPilot. According to TrustPilot, over 800 people posted comments about the TruthFinder service, and they gave the service an average rating of 4.2 stars out of 5 stars for its usability and accuracy.

    Satisfied customers said that TruthFinders reports were very accurate. One woman mentioned that she only found inaccuracies that were related to people frequently moving. Shes been a regular user of the service for three years, and she documented that the service experiences a two-month lag in updates. If a person moves, his or her new address will show up in a TruthFinders public records search in approximately 60 days.

    To some reviewers, TruthFinder offers a value-added service that saves them time and money. Many have been reunited with relatives and friends. One man was in the U.S. Navy decades ago and lost touch with his best friend who served with him. The man was able to locate his buddy in time to attend the friends birthday celebration.

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    How Does The Fbi Watch List Work And Could It Have Prevented Orlando

    Of all the details investigators have uncovered about Orlando terrorist Omar Mateen, perhaps the most infuriating is the fact that he spent 10 months on a government watch list, yet had no trouble buying an assault rifle and a handgun.

    Authorities placed Mateen on a watch list in May 2013 after coworkers at the Florida courthouse where he was a security guard told authorities he boasted of connections to al Qaeda and other terrorists organizations. He remained on the list for 10 months, and FBI Director James Comey told reporters this week that during that time the agency placed Mateen under surveillance and had confidential sources meet with him.

    But the feds removed Mateen from the list in March 2014, after concluding that he had no significant links to terrorism beyond attending the same mosque as an American suicide bomber who died in Syria. We dont keep people under investigation indefinitely, Comey said, adding that he doesnt see anything that his agents should have done differently.

    Comey didnt identify the list Mateen was on, but an unnamed official told the Daily Beast that he was in two databases, the Terrorist Identities Datamart Environment database and the Terrorist Screening Database, more commonly called the terrorist watch list.

    Heres a look at what the lists are and how someone gets their name on one.

    Best Employee Background Check Services

    A Former FBI Agent Explains the Terrorist Watch List | Explorer

    Employee background checks are an increasingly normal part of the hiring process. While it used to be the case that only references were required to confirm a persons identity and good-standing, nowadays an employer will commonly also want to be aware of any records of criminal behavior, financial irregularities, or even history of drug use. This is all on top of mandatory Form I-9 immigration and eligibility checks.

    However, getting the right information isnt always as easy as it sounds. Everything is dependent on background checking companies having access to the necessary data, and ensuring it is correct. Additionally, while it may be easier to get records from one state, it can become more of a challenge for providers to collate data from across the country, and even from abroad, where required.

    This is why choosing the right company for making employee background checks is essential, because if the provider cannot produce the records required with the accuracy needed, this can result in risks to both the employer and employees. With that in mind, weve picked out the best employee background check companies for you right here.

    Reasons to avoid

    Universal Background Screening is an accredited member of National Association of Professional Background Screeners . Checks are fully compliant with state and federal legislation, as well as follow industry best practices for the protection of employers and clients.

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    In 2016, the Lowell Police Department opened an internal investigation into officer David Pender, after he was accused of using unnecessary force against a 16-year-old boy.

    The department found him guilty and put him on a six-month unpaid suspension, ordered him to complete anger management training, give up his position as a school resource officer, and serve a two-year probation. Pender was sued earlier this year by another man alleging he punched him during a traffic stop.

    A city spokesperson said he remains on active duty. Pender did not respond to a request for comment through his lawyer.

    Pender is one of dozens of officers named on a prosecutorial watch list kept by the Middlesex district attorneys office. Known as a Brady list, the DAs document currently tracks more than 100 officers. All were flagged by prosecutors as either having engaged in or been accused of misconduct that the DAs office might legally need to disclose to the defense as the information could speak to officers credibility.

    WBUR found at least three of the states 11 district attorneys maintain some form of their own Brady list.

    The inconsistency of prosecutors Brady practices raises questions about how those that dont organize information about police misconduct comply with their constitutional requirements in court.

    Governmentregistryorg: Your Records Retrieval Resource

    If you want access to public records info, weve got it! Welcome to GovernmentRegistry.Org. This site is a leading Online Public Records Database which offers our members access to a wide array of public records. Using our system will save you time, money and effort and it could offer you valuable data that equates to personal and financial protection as well!

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    What Is The Best Filing Method

    Steps to make a filing system more functional

  • Determine how you want to retrieve the files.
  • Label each hanging and manila folders.
  • Stick with the same labeling system.
  • Leave space in the drawer for new files.
  • Lay the paper in the folders so you can see the tabs.
  • Find a filing cabinet that will hold all your files.
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    International Security Screening Service

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    Mintz Global Screening offers you personalized support in your recruitment process by determining if your candidates are listed on various government watch lists maintained by global authorities.

    Leaving this process to our screening experts ensures that you benefit from a tailored service that enables you to quickly obtain answers to questions regarding your applicants’ background.

    Hire trustworthy employees

    Benefit from information gathered on a global scale

    Work with agents who will provide you with reliable information

    Get in touch with our international security screening specialists.

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    Date listed

    What Is A Government Watch List

    The watchlist includes domestic and international, government, law enforcement and regulatory databases that store information on individuals who are on a criminal list or prohibited in certain industries such as finance and healthcare.

    Among such people are specially designated nationals, terrorists, narcotics traffickers, money launderers, blocked persons, parties subject to various economic sanctioned programs who are forbidden from conducting business and those involved in the proliferation of mass destruction weapons.

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    Us Government Watchlisting: Unfair Process And Devastating Consequences

    The U.S. government today maintains a massive watchlisting system that risks stigmatizing hundreds of thousands of people, including American citizens, as known or suspected terrorists based on secret standards and secret evidence, without a meaningful process to challenge error and clear their names. The watchlists in this system are shared widely within the federal government, with state and local law enforcement agencies, and even with foreign governments, heightening the negative consequences for listed individuals. Being placed on a U.S. government watchlist can mean an inability to travel by air or sea invasive screening at airports denial of a U.S. visa or permission to enter to the United States and detention and questioning by U.S. or foreign authoritiesto say nothing of shame, fear, uncertainty, and denigration as a terrorism suspect. Watchlisting can prevent disabled military veterans from obtaining needed benefits, separate family members for months or years, ruin employment prospects, and isolate an individual from friends and associates.

    Over 700000 People On Us Watch List: Once You Get On Theres No Way Off

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    A report by the New York Times Susan Stellin published over the weekend attempted to shine much-deserved light on an otherwise largely unexposed program of federal watch lists, but details about these directories including the names of individuals on them and what they did to get there remain as elusive as ever.

    More than 12 years after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, federal agencies continue to keep lists on hand containing names of individuals of interest: people who often end up un-cleared to enter or exit the US due to an array of activity that could be considered suspicious or terrorist-related to government officials.

    In 2008, the American Civil Liberties Union claimed that an Inspector General of the Department of Justice report found at least 700,000 individual names on the database maintained by the Terrorist Screening Center, the Federal Bureau of Investigation sub-office tasked with overseeing the single database of identifying information about those known or reasonably suspected of being involved in terrorist activity. Five years later, that number of suspicious persons is reportedly close to what it was at the time. Half-a-decade down the road, however, Americans and foreign nationals who end up on the governments radar are offered little chance to find out how they ended there, or even file an appeal.

    According to some, thats just the start of whats wrong with these lists.

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    Cbp Enforcement Statistics Fiscal Year 2023

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the nations largest federal law enforcement agency charged with securing the nations borders and facilitating international travel and trade. Our top priority is to keep terrorists and their weapons from entering the United States.

    At the nations more than 300 ports of entry, CBP officers have a complex mission with broad law enforcement authorities tied to screening all foreign visitors, returning American citizens and imported cargo that enters the U.S. Along the nations borders, the United States Border Patrol and Air and Marine Operations are the uniformed law enforcement arms of CBP responsible for securing U.S. borders between ports of entry.

    Visit CBP’s Southwest Border Migration page for demographic information regarding apprehensions and inadmissibles on the southwest border and the Assaults and Use of Force page for data on assaults on agents and officers, and uses of force by CBP personnel.

    Numbers below reflect Fiscal Year 2017 – FY 2023.

    Fiscal Year 2023 runs October 01, 2022 – September 30, 2023.

    Office of Field Operations Total Encounters1 216,370
    U.S. Border Patrol Total Encounters2 310,531
    2,766,582 277,464

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