The Misuse of National Security Letters

Regarding the March 9 front-page article "Frequent Errors in FBI's Secret Records Requests" and the FBI's failure to properly use national security letters:

I was a special assistant to William H. Webster, FBI director from 1978 to 1987, during the first three years of his tenure.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation was recovering from the problems of the 1960s and early 1970s, and Judge Webster established a framework for strict adherence to all laws and guidelines.

While Congress and the attorney general bore oversight responsibility, as they do today (but have failed to carry out), Judge Webster realized that the responsibility for the FBI's actions rested not only with him but also with the men and women of the FBI itself. He demanded that agents live up to this responsibility, and he dealt decisively with those who did not.

While apologies and promises of reform from the current FBI director and attorney general (and belated congressional concern) are welcome, they are too late. The harm to the public, breach of trust and loss of confidence have taken place.

Judge Webster often pledged himself and the FBI to do the work that the American people expected in the way that the Constitution demanded. He firmly believed that he and the FBI could do so. Sadly, it appears that the FBI no longer strives for that goal.

It is time that we, regardless of political party, demand that it once again do so.

ADRIAN STEEL

McLean