The News Journal (Wilmington, Delaware)
Copyright 2007 The News Journal
WASHINGTON — It’s a bit unnerving — and comforting — to learn that firefighters in major cities are being enlisted as lookouts for the Department of Homeland Security.
Unlike police, these emergency personnel workers don’t need warrants when they enter hundreds of thousands of homes and buildings each year as they respond to fire and medical emergencies or perform annual safety code inspections.
Having that extra set of trained eyes to spot suspicious items such as building blueprints or bomb-making manuals and materials could lead to the discovery of a sinister plot in the making.
But this is a huge “could,” one that should make Americans uncomfortable about their privacy rights. It could also replace the respect many residents have for these first responders as protectors with fear of impromptu government inspections during times of family crisis.
The ACLU and ethnic populations that have been stereotyped as being sympathetic to America’s enemies have good reason to be extremely concerned.
So do local firefighters who face resistance for regular fire safety code inspections by property owners, afraid they’ll get reported just because of that strange-looking map laying on an office table.
All Americans since the September 2001 terrorists’ attacks have been encouraged to share responsibility for homeland security. Flashing signs along interstates encourage drivers to report suspicious behavior to 24-hour hotlines. Cities and counties produce detailed brochures on the subject for their residents and offer free programs that train. This is necessary duty of our citizenry.
The International Association of Fire Fighters has concerns that the training be done properly and does not take away people’s rights.
If its program with New York is expanded, Homeland Security said civil rights and civil liberties training will be included.
It will have to be. Otherwise fire departments and local ambulance companies may find themselves adding a legal defense fund to their general operating budget.