New FBI Rules Relax Some Restrictions (Lurking Ashcroft Alert)

New FBI Rules Relax Some Restrictions

Wednesday November 5, 2003 11:46 PM


By CURT ANDERSON

Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - The FBI will be able to more easily check a person's background for potential terrorist activities under national security guidelines issued Wednesday by Attorney General John Ashcroft.

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The purpose is to ensure the FBI approaches these investigations ``with an eye toward early intervention and prevention of acts of terrorism before they occur,'' according to the guidelines.

The FBI will be allowed to collect information on ``individuals, groups and organizations of possible investigative interest'' in national security cases in the ways that agents already can in cases involving more traditional crimes such as illegal drugs and organized crime.

<snip>
Timothy Edgar, legislative counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union, said the guidelines raise another caution flag in the nation's fight against terrorism. The ACLU and others have criticized the anti-terrorism Patriot Act that expanded government's surveillance and detention powers after the Sept. 11 attacks.

more...
www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,1282,-3353699,00.html

on edit: not you Angel

Let'em anyway O8)