MATRIX: Multi-State Anti-Terrorism Information Exchange

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Check out this website about a new government-sponsored surveillance initiative. What do you think?

http://www.matrix-at.org/faq.htm

What is the MATRIX project?
The Multistate Anti-Terrorism Information Exchange (MATRIX) is a pilot, proof-of-concept project initiated in response to the increased need for timely information sharing and exchange of terrorism-related and other criminal information among members of the law enforcement community. The MATRIX pilot project is an investigative tool that will help ensure that local and state law enforcement officers have timely, accurate, and effective information. It provides law enforcement a technological, investigative tool allowing query-based searches of available state and public records.

Does the MATRIX project monitor all citizens?
No. The FACTS system does not allow indiscriminate surveillance of one’s activities, and it does not “monitor” individuals.

How is MATRIX funded?
The Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), awarded $4 million to the MATRIX pilot project. An additional $8 million has been received from the Office for Domestic Preparedness, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, to expand system access.