Conceptualizations of the �police state�

 

It is important for a state to avoid transgressing into the realm of a �police-state�. I know this concept sounds rather foreign to some of you but it is indicative to understand the concept of a police-state in western democracies, especially within the context of a post 9/11 world. The overwhelming presence of law enforcement will not thwart criminality. Criminals will find more secretive ways of making financial transactions and carrying out killings. There are other peaceful ways to marginalize crime activity without dropping more constables on the streets. Once you give law enforcement too much authority over society, it will lead to internal corruption that will conceal crime behind the guise of authoritarianism.

A certain degree of public awareness in regards to conceptualizations of the 'police state' comes from its more discernable origins. Cambodia under the rule of Khmer Rouge, the former Soviet Union, Nazi Germany, fascist elements in Italy, are the more popular examples of the police state. Can it be said that countries such as the United States are starting to evolve into this abstract notion of a police state? Law enforcement commissions are being given greater mandates in order to secure the state and those who embody the nation. Executive orders are being withheld to protect public "security". Missions are being drawn privately in order to keep you "safe".

What are your thoughts?