Federal Witness Protection Program

The Federal Witness Protection Program, also known as the Federal Witness Security (WITSEC) Program, was authorized by Congress as part of the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970. This program, which was implemented in 1971, is proclaimed to be the government's best tool in combating organized crime, drug-related crimes, terrorism, and other serious law violations. Witnesses receive protection from the U.S. Marshals Service from the time they testify before a grand jury until the trial is completed. After the trial, witnesses and their family are relocated, given new identities, and provided with monthly stipends. The U.S. Marshals Service assists protected witnesses in obtaining such services as housing, medical care, job training, and employment. Ninety-seven percent of these witnesses have criminal histories but their recidivism rate is only half of the national average. Their testimony is extremely important because they have inside information that would be difficult or impossible for law enforcement to obtain. Since witness intimidation is a pressing problem, without the protection afforded by WITSEC, many believe, most witnesses would be too afraid to cooperate with law enforcement.

From 1970 to 1996, protection was provided for more than 6,600 witnesses and 9,000 of their family members. There are about 20 to 25 witnesses added to the program each month (this number does not include dependents). According to statistics released by the program, the witnesses who have received protection have helped to bring about a conviction rate of 89% in cases in which they have testified. No witnesses who have followed the rules of the program have been killed or harmed, although about 30 people who have left the program have been murdered.