The Bush Administration is seeking to train firefighters to serve as eyes and ears in the war on terror: a role that raises significant civil liberties questions. Under this plan, firefighters would look for evidence of possible terrorism in the homes and businesses that they inspect or enter. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has obviously realized that fire fighters routinely enter homes without a warrant under existing constitutional doctrines. This represents a great opportunity for police to circumvent fourth amendment standards and to use firefighters like roaming surveillance devices.It is a role that could put fire fighters are greater risk if they are viewed as threats or law enforcement personnel. It could also reduce the willingness of some people to call the fire department.Firefighters have always been able to use the “plain view” doctrine in reporting or even seizing evidence of a crime. Thus, even if they did not enter with a warrant, any evidence of a crime in plain view can be reported or seized. The problem is that the Supreme Court allows inspectors to enter homes for routine administrative functions without a warrant. Now, they are being trained to use the opportunity to perform a law enforcement function.The other issue is the expansion of deputized citizens who serve as surveillance assets for the government. Previously, the Bush Administration sought to use truck drivers, postal employees and others for this function. The danger is a nation where citizens are trained to spy on each other; converting the country into a fishbowl society.For the full article, click here