1. The first paragraph of a news article should answer the questions who, what, where and when. List the who, what, where and when of this news item. (NOTE: The remainder of a news article provides details on the why and/or how.)

2. a) What was the primary goal of the DEA’s license-plate tracking program?
b) Why is asset forfeiture controversial?

3. How has the program expanded since it was launched in 2008?

4. Officials have publicly said that they track vehicles near the border with Mexico to help fight drug cartels. What hasn’t been previously disclosed about the program?

5. In addition to the DEA, who uses the database?

6. What are the major concerns about the scope and expansion of this database?

7. How is the Justice Department defending the program?

8. The Senate Judiciary Committee provides oversight of the Department of Justice and the agencies under the Department's jurisdiction, including the FBI, DEA and the Department of Homeland Security. What did Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy say about the revelation of the DOJ’s expanded license-plate reader program?

9. a) How does the DEA’s license-plate tracking program work?
b) In what states is it currently used?

10. Why won’t officials provide a list of ALL of the states that share their data with the DEA program?

11. What do you think: Do the benefits of the program (criminal asset forfeiture/confiscation of illegal drugs) outweigh the concerns (loss of privacy/government surveillance of all, even the innocent/chance of government abuse of power)? Explain your answer.