SESSIONS WATCH : Agonizing Delay

Law enforcement is particularly sensitive and important work, and certainly there is no more important law enforcement position in America than director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Since 1987 former federal judge William S. Sessions has held that position, and in many respects he has brought credit to the office.

In particular he substantially accelerated the hiring and promotion of minorities--a very noticeable improvement in FBI policy begun by his predecessor, William H. Webster, another former federal judge, who was appointed by Jimmy Carter. Sessions was appointed by Ronald Reagan.

That reform is a valuable bipartisan effort--and Sessions’ sincere commitment no doubt irritated resistant elements of the bureau. Even today, the FBI, like all bureaucracies, is not always enthusiastic about even much-needed change.

Despite his considerable accomplishments, the unsettling spate of revelations about the use and abuse of bureau travel facilities and other perks by Sessions and his wife has put the director under a large cloud. Yet even after allegedly pointed discussions with new Atty. Gen. Janet Reno, Director Sessions has resisted stepping down voluntarily.

The truth is that Sessions’ effectiveness has been severely compromised and the time for him to go has passed.

Reno is said to be waiting for his removal by order of President Clinton, who has that power. Clinton should use it--and not wait forever to do so. The bureau must have a director who is above reproach. That’s not the case now.