This privacy versus security doctoral research examines existing literature, policies, and perceptions to identify the effects of the 2015 San Bernardino terrorist attack on the San Bernardino community. This study contributes to identifying factors that influence perceptions of governmental surveillance. Multiple articles contribute to the surveillance, and Constitutional challenges of counterterrorism within the United States. Specific articles were chosen to complement a comprehensive evaluation affecting the various aspects of privacy versus security as government officials attempt to counter the modern terrorist threats in America. The literature identifies the challenges, needs, and public concerns of surveillance and sets the foundation for the privacy versus security study. The literature argues a negative relationship between comprehension of surveillance programs and the acceptance of such programs. The findings of the online survey obtained through members of the San Bernardino Community are contrasted against a 2013 Pew national survey asking similar questions. Events that may have influenced differences in responses during the four-year span between surveys are acknowledged and discussed. Survey results include descriptive evaluation and quantitative statistical analysis. The results of this study provide basis for additional studies to assist in the determination of perceptions of government surveillance. This study identified challenges in public perception of surveillance as well as the effects of public perception of government surveillance following a terrorist attack. Overall, the study found minimal improvement in the acceptance of government surveillance following a terrorist attack. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]