THEY KNOW WHERE YOU PRAY

In the wake of September 11, 2001, the NYPD dramatically expanded the scope of its counterterrorism efforts, including a monitoring and surveillance program directed at Muslim organizations, groups, and individuals--the overwhelming majority of which consist of law-abiding U.S. citizens. 

According to a recent Associated Press investigation, the NYPD surreptitiously observed an array of activities such as a whitewater-rafting trip attended by 18 City College Muslim students. Among other things, undercover agents kept track of the number of times the students prayed each day.  Agents also monitored the activities taking place at Muslim-operated businesses and mosques.  In the end, the NYPD compiled a 60-page report--marked " NYPD Secret "--that included specific details about worshippers at those mosques.

Although this particular counterterrorism program originally was limited to New York City, without any apparent legal basis or authority, it was expanded to Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut.  Attorney General Eric Holder announced that the Department of Justice will be investigating the NYPD's conduct to determine if a full-scale civil rights investigation is needed. Mayor Bloomberg and other city officials insist that these operations were legal and violated no one's rights.

NYPD doesn't have a prayer.