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I don't know where this idea comes from or why it persists.
Let's suppose a car comes across the border with a couple of kilos of cocaine in it, and a lap top computer in the back seat that has a hard disk full of stuff. Let's suppose it's the largest single capture of evidence of crime in the history of the universe. Does the public have a right to know what it is? No. Does the public have a right to know that the computer or anything else was even found? No.
The FBI is notified of the existence of the computer. Should the FBI announce that it may be related to other investigations? They may, if it serves an official purpose. Which of course implies that that they have the discretion to make an announcement or not, and that could not be if there was a public right to know, and therefore, there is no public right to know.
If law enforcement is using undercover agents in an investigation, does the public have a right to know? Why aren't they required to wear badges and uniforms making clear that they are law enforcement agents? Because the public has no right to know.
Let's suppose a car comes across the border with a couple of kilos of cocaine in it, and a lap top computer in the back seat that has a hard disk full of stuff. Let's suppose it's the largest single capture of evidence of crime in the history of the universe. Does the public have a right to know what it is? No. Does the public have a right to know that the computer or anything else was even found? No.
The FBI is notified of the existence of the computer. Should the FBI announce that it may be related to other investigations? They may, if it serves an official purpose. Which of course implies that that they have the discretion to make an announcement or not, and that could not be if there was a public right to know, and therefore, there is no public right to know.
If law enforcement is using undercover agents in an investigation, does the public have a right to know? Why aren't they required to wear badges and uniforms making clear that they are law enforcement agents? Because the public has no right to know.