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Witness Security Program

NCJ Number
122818
Date Published
1981
Length
60 pages
Annotation
Based on hearings by the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations on December 15, 16, and 17, 1980, this report assesses the performance of the Federal Witness Security Program and offers recommendations for its improvement.
Abstract
The Witness Security Program -- created by the Organized Crime Act of 1970 and administered by the Marshals Service with the assistance of the Bureau of Prisons -- protects Federal witnesses and their families believed to be in danger because of their testimony, usually against organized crime figures. Program services include temporary protection, relocation, establishment of a new identity, documentation to support the new identity, and limited financial and employment assistance. Although the program has been effective in encouraging persons within organized crime networks to testify against their cohorts, the program's reputation has been tarnished by a number of weaknesses. Weaknesses include inaccurate or false promises to witnesses and their families, security breaches by the Marshals Service, incomplete or delayed documentation, witness' difficulties in finding employment, no procedure for resolving witness' complaints, and inadequate training for program personnel. Twenty-five recommendations focus on improved organizational structure, witness services, and resources.