Justice Manual § 1-7.500

Subject to limitations imposed by law or court rule or order, and consistent with the provisions of this Policy, DOJ personnel may make public the following information in any criminal case in which charges have been brought:

The defendant’s name, age, residence, employment, marital status, and similar background information;

The substance of the charge, as contained in the complaint, indictment, information, or other public documents;

The identity of the investigating or arresting agency and the length and scope of the investigation; and

The circumstances immediately surrounding an arrest, including the time and place of arrest, resistance, pursuit, possession and use of weapons, and a description of physical items seized during the arrest.

A news release issued before a finding of guilt should state that the charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

In civil and administrative cases, subject to limitations imposed by law or court rule or order, and consistent with the provisions of this Policy, DOJ personnel may release similar identification material regarding parties and the concerned government agency or program, along with a summary of the claim and an explanation of the government’s interest.

The public policy significance of a case may be discussed by the appropriate United States Attorney or Assistant Attorney General when doing so would further law enforcement goals.