The director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service said Tuesday that the spy agency avoids racial profiling because it is “fundamentally stupid” and does not knowingly use information gleaned under torture offshore because the practice is “morally repugnant.”

James Judd told a gathering of Canadian judges on Tuesday that he is “acutely aware” of complaints that the agency, along with several other organizations, targets the Muslim community in fighting the war on terror. “We don’t profile because it’s fundamentally stupid and we don’t have enough resources,” said Judd. “From a national security perspective, we can’t afford to have whole communities feel alienated.”

Rather, the agency has embarked on community outreach efforts to combat “this legend that this is how we do business,” Judd told a panel discussion on human rights and national security.

Yeah, that “be nice and they won’t hurt us” strategy is working out really well.

About the Author

Michael Tanji

Michael Tanji spent nearly 20 years in the US intelligence community. Trained in both SIGINT and HUMINT disciplines he has worked at the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and the National Reconnaissance Office. At various points in his career he served as an expert in information warfare, computer network operations, computer forensics, and indications and warning. A veteran of the US Army, Michael has served in both strategic and tactical assignments in the Pacific Theater, the Balkans, and the Middle East.