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The U.S. Marshals Service protects and relocates witnesses and their families who testify against major criminals and terrorists. Learn about the program's history, guidelines, benefits and successes since 1971.
Witness protection is security provided to a threatened person providing testimonial evidence to the justice system, including defendants and other clients, before, during, and after trials, usually by police.
2024. The U.S. Marshals Service operates the federal Witness Security Program, sometimes referred to as the “Witness Protection Program.”. Witnesses protected by the Witness Security Program generally testify against major criminal organizations and their members, such as traditional organized crime groups, gangs and terrorist organizations.
Learn how the U.S. Marshals Service protects witnesses and their families who testify against dangerous criminals. Find out the eligibility criteria, the process, the risks and the history of the Witness Security Program.
- Kevin Bonsor
- What does the witness protection program entail?The U.S. U.S. Marshals Service Witness Security Program (also known as WITSEC) protects witnesses and their dependents who are in danger because of...
- How much do people who are in witness protection get paid?Members of WITSEC get around $60,000, on average, to help them get jobs and start supporting themselves within a specified time frame.
- Is the witness protection program successful?Yes. According to the U.S. Marshalls Service, WITSEC has protected about 19,000 participants since the program began in 1971, including innocent vi...
- What happens after someone is put in witness protection?WITSEC members, along with their family and dependents, are issued new birth certificates and Social Security numbers. They receive help in finding...
- Can someone choose to leave witness protection?This is always an option. If, upon leaving, their lives are still in danger, U.S. Marshals can locate them again.
Learn how the U.S. Marshals Service protects witnesses and their families who testify against major criminal organizations and their members. Find out the program's history, benefits, eligibility and vetting process.
The United States Federal Witness Protection Program (WPP), also known as the Witness Security Program or WITSEC, is a witness protection program codified through 18 U.S. Code § 3521 and administered by the United States Department of Justice.
Learn about the federal Witness Security Program, which protects witnesses and their families from harm. This Factsheet provides an overview of the program's history, goals, participants, and operations.
