United States Federal Witness Protection Program

U.S. Marshals do a drill of guarding a protected witness

The United States Federal Witness Protection Program (WPP),[1] also known as the Witness Security Program or WITSEC,[2] is a witness protection program. It is operated by the United States Marshals Service. It was created to protect threatened witnesses before, during, and after a trial.

A few states, including California, Connecticut, Illinois, New York, Texas, and Washington D.C. have their own witness protection programs for crimes not covered by the federal program.

The state-run programs have less protections than the federal program.[3][4]

References

  1. "Federal Witness Protection Program: Its Evolution and Continuing Growing Pains (NCJRS abstract)". Retrieved August 12, 2020.
  2. "U.S. Marshals Service". United States Marshals Service. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
  3. "California Witness Relocation and Assistance Program". California Department of Justice. 15 February 2012. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
  4. Glaberson, William (July 6, 2003). 'Lie or Die'—Aftermath of a Murder; Justice, Safety and the System: A Witness Is Slain in Brooklyn. https://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/06/nyregion/lie-die-aftermath-murder-justice-safety-system-witness-slain-brooklyn.html. Retrieved July 3, 2019.