All Riled Up About Leaks

Dick Thornburgh blew a fuse in front of reporters Wednesday, and, in effect, said he wanted to turn some of the lights out at the Justice Department.

The attorney general, clearly irritated by what he described as continuing press leaks, announced new restrictions on the ability of Justice employees to talk directly to reporters. Thornburgh’s anger over press leaks is understandable, though such pique about the press is a dreary and familiar story. But the “new media guidelines” being drawn up will inevitably prove an overreaction--and quite possibly a serious public-relations mistake.

No one would argue (certainly no responsible reporter) that the press should be privy to ongoing criminal investigations. These are extremely sensitive proceedings, and their confidentiality needs to be well guarded by the department and thoroughly respected by the press corps.

But general department policies are fair game for discussion and debate, and the press has every reason to pursue leads and ask questions. Thornburgh must understand that any attempt to shield those policies from scrutiny will inevitably prompt suspicions about his intent. The press will always prove somewhat irritating to high officials but the wiser public-information policy would be to treat it like a potential ally in the effort to administer justice in an open society, not like some kind of public enemy or foreign agent.