Access Control
& Security Systems

Saying it is "more urgent than ever" for the country to continue its aggressive efforts at disabling terrorists, U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft reiterated his stand that efforts must focus on prevention, not prosecution, and that law enforcement agencies must work together to make that happen.

Ashcroft made the remarks in a speech after meeting with Connecticut's security task force in New Haven.

"Our efforts so far were only made possible by the seamless cooperation of law enforcement officials," said Ashcroft. His stop in Connecticut is part of a cross-country trip to meet with state task forces to discuss anti-terrorist efforts.

Ashcroft said the new federal budget includes more money to offset higher security costs in each of the states. At the same time, he offered examples of how the increased efforts have paid off, including the 1,000-plus international terrorists and spies who have been arrested since 2002. He indicated that the country's long-term counter-terrorism program has also netted positive results.

"I believe most Americans feel if you can use surveillance and other such tools against drug traders, you should be able to use them against terrorists," Ashcroft said.

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