Parallel construction is a concept that has gained significant attention in recent years, particularly in the context of law enforcement and intelligence gathering. It refers to the practice of creating an alternate explanation for how evidence was obtained, often to conceal the true source of the information or to avoid revealing sensitive methods or techniques. In essence, parallel construction involves constructing a parallel narrative or scenario that is used to justify the acquisition of evidence, while keeping the actual means of obtaining that evidence hidden.
Understanding Parallel Construction
The term “parallel construction” was first used by the FBI to describe a process where agents would create a parallel or alternate explanation for how they obtained information or evidence. This practice was initially used in the context of intelligence gathering and counterterrorism, where the true sources of information were often classified or sensitive. However, the use of parallel construction has since expanded to other areas of law enforcement, including narcotics investigations and organized crime cases.
How Parallel Construction Works
The process of parallel construction typically involves creating a fictional or alternate scenario that explains how evidence was obtained. This can involve using publicly available information, such as surveillance footage or social media posts, to create a narrative that suggests the evidence was obtained through legitimate means. For example, if an intelligence agency obtains information about a suspect through a classified source, they may create a parallel construction that suggests the information was obtained through a public records search or a confidential informant.
The goal of parallel construction is to create a plausible and believable explanation for how the evidence was obtained, while keeping the true source of the information hidden. This can be done to protect sensitive sources or methods, or to avoid revealing classified information. However, parallel construction has also been criticized for being a form of deception, as it involves creating a false narrative that can be used to justify the acquisition of evidence.
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Public Records Search | Using publicly available information to create a narrative that suggests evidence was obtained through legitimate means |
| Confidential Informant | Creating a fictional or alternate scenario that suggests evidence was obtained through a confidential informant |
| Social Media Monitoring | Using social media posts or other online activity to create a narrative that suggests evidence was obtained through public sources |
Implications of Parallel Construction
The use of parallel construction has significant implications for the justice system and individual rights. On one hand, parallel construction can be used to protect sensitive sources and methods, and to prevent the disclosure of classified information. On the other hand, it can also be used to deceive judges, juries, and the public, and to justify the acquisition of evidence that was obtained through questionable means.
The use of parallel construction has also been criticized for undermining the integrity of the justice system. If evidence is obtained through parallel construction, it can be difficult to determine whether the evidence was obtained lawfully or unlawfully. This can lead to wrongful convictions, and can also undermine trust in the justice system as a whole.
Examples of Parallel Construction
There have been several high-profile cases where parallel construction has been used to obtain evidence. For example, in 2013, it was revealed that the NSA had been using parallel construction to obtain evidence in narcotics cases. The NSA would provide information to the DEA, which would then use that information to obtain a warrant or make an arrest. However, the DEA would not disclose the true source of the information, instead using a parallel construction to suggest that the evidence was obtained through a public records search or a confidential informant.
In another example, the FBI used parallel construction to obtain evidence in a terrorism case. The FBI had obtained information about a suspect through a classified source, but instead of disclosing that information, they created a parallel construction that suggested the evidence was obtained through a public records search. The suspect was subsequently convicted and sentenced to prison, but the use of parallel construction in the case raised questions about the integrity of the justice system.
- The use of parallel construction raises important questions about the balance between national security and individual privacy
- Parallel construction can be used to protect sensitive sources and methods, but it can also be used to deceive judges, juries, and the public
- The use of parallel construction has significant implications for the justice system and individual rights
What is parallel construction?
+Parallel construction is the practice of creating an alternate explanation for how evidence was obtained, often to conceal the true source of the information or to avoid revealing sensitive methods or techniques.
Why is parallel construction used?
+Parallel construction is used to protect sensitive sources and methods, and to prevent the disclosure of classified information. However, it can also be used to deceive judges, juries, and the public, and to justify the acquisition of evidence that was obtained through questionable means.
What are the implications of parallel construction?
+The use of parallel construction has significant implications for the justice system and individual rights. It can lead to wrongful convictions, and can also undermine trust in the justice system as a whole. Additionally, parallel construction raises important questions about the balance between national security and individual privacy.
