How Witness Protection Works

Choosing to testify at a criminal trial is not a decision witnesses take lightly. Many times, the defendant on trial has the means and motive to seek revenge for a witness' testimony. Such a threat may deter witnesses from revealing the truth on the stand. However, the U.S. government has established a system to protect individuals whose testimony leaves them at risk.

In addition to the organization's other duties , the U.S. Marshall Service in in charge of the nation's Witness Security Program (commonly referred to as Witness Protection). Established in 1970, this program is charged not only with guarding witnesses' safety, but also relocated them and providing new identities. Witness Protection also provides such services to witnesses' families, who may also be in danger from criminals seeking revenge.

In the four decades since the program began, the U.S. Marshalls have provided new identities to nearly 20,000 people. Only witnesses deemed vitally important and at significant risk are admitted into Witness Protection. Once approved, Witness Protection must assess the risks associated with relocation. Naturally, this includes a list of the types of people who could harm the witness and his or her family. What is not as obvious, though, is that Witness Protection must also ensure witnesses are not a threat to their new community. Many people admitted into the program are criminals themselves testifying to gain immunity and avoid jail time. Thus, the Marshalls may attach strings to witness' relocation. For example, they may need to submit to regular drug / alcohol testing.

Starting a new life can be difficult for witnesses. The Witness Protection program aims to help with this process to some extent. At a minimum, witnesses and their families receive a new place to live, documentation to support their identities, and a stipend for living expenses. Witness Protection may also provide job training and help finding employment in a new location. There are also counselors and psychologists made available to witnesses, as therapy is often necessary to help them adjust.

Witnesses who are relocated may choose a new name or, if it is not a great risk, keep their own. Witnesses are not permitted to have any contact with people from their old life or return to their former town. They are also expected to remain upstanding citizens, and witnesses who commit crimes are no longer protected. While there are naturally witnesses who cannot abide by these rules, those who do so are unlikely to be harmed. In fact, no witness to date, who has followed procedures, has ever been hurt in the program.