Extend Patriot Act

To the Editor:

As the president of the 11,000-member New York City Sergeants Benevolent Association, the fifth-largest police union in the country, I believe that the reauthorization of the Patriot Act is essential to strengthening America's defense against the scourge of terrorism.

The Act now includes more than 30 new civil liberties protections, as well as provisions to bolster port security and protect against attacks on mass transportation. The terrorist surveillance program has already helped prevent attacks, and there has not been one verified case of its abuse.

The passage of this crucial legislation might prevent us from one day looking back with horror and regret and asking the inevitable question: "What if the Patriot Act had not been allowed to expire in 2006?"

ED MULLINS, President, Sergeants Benevolent Association