James Clapper, Director of National Intelligence, Orders Lie Detector Test To Reveal Leakers

James Clapper, Director of National Intelligence, Orders Lie Detector Test To Reveal Leakers
06/25/2012

The nation's top intelligence official, acting in the wake of a series of revelations about secret national security programs, announced Monday the steps he will take to crack down on leaks of sensitive government information.

Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said in a press release that employees in all government intelligence agencies would have to answer a question related to unauthorized disclosure of classified information during a lie detector test. The agencies include the CIA, FBI, Defense Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency.

Clapper also said he will request the Inspector General "lead independent investigations of selected unauthorized disclosure cases when prosecution is declined by the Department of Justice." He said the move "will ensure that selected unauthorized disclosure cases suitable for administrative investigations are not closed prematurely."

The steps follow recent stories in The New York Times about a White House "kill list" for terrorists targeted in drone attacks and President Barack Obama's secret order to launch cyberattacks against Iran's nuclear weapons facilities. The Senate said it would investigate the recent leaks, which Republicans have said were purposefully done to paint the Obama administration in a positive light.

The White House not only has rejected that characterization, but Obama has actually set a record for prosecuting leaks.

“These efforts will reinforce our professional values by sending a strong message that intelligence personnel always have, and always will, hold ourselves to the highest standard of professionalism," Clapper said. “It is my sincere hope that others across the government will follow our lead. It is the right thing to do on behalf of the American people and in the interest of our national security."