Question: What happens to a person in the witness protection program?
Answer: The Witness Security Program was created by the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970. Since then, more than 7,000 witnesses and over 9,000 family members have entered the program and have been protected, relocated and given new identities.
The United States Marshals Service, a division of the US Department of Justice, provides for the security, health and safety of government witnesses and their immediate family whose lives are in danger because they are testifying in court against drug traffickers, terrorists, organized crime members and other major criminals.
To begin with, the United States Attorney General makes the final determination who qualifies for protection. After the witness agrees to enter the program, they and their family are immediately relocated to a different and more secure location selected by the Marshals Service, this is usually a different city in a different state. Witnesses and their families typically get new names and identities, with authentic documentation like Social Security cards and driver's licenses. Housing, medical care, job training and employment can also be provided. Money for living expenses is also provided to the witnesses until they become self-sufficient in the relocation area.
This information was taken from 'Witness Protection Program Factsheet' from the US Department of Justice US Marshals. More information is also available on the Witness Security Program from the US Marshals
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On 01/09/04
Jordan from MO said:
Donna, Iknow how scary it is . I lost my sister in the Witness protection program. Then soon I relized it would be stupid to punish someone that was helping your son, I mean wouldn't be. It's for the best!
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On 11/29/03
Rita from CA said:
I am also trying to find a relative in the Witness Protection Program, if any one can help please leave a comment. I will check the website from time to time. Thank you!
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On 11/05/03
M from IA said:
Do any of you have any tips on how I can find out if a relative is in the witness protection program? I will check back for a reply. Thanks for your help in this matter.
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On 08/08/03
Timmy from NJ said:
I agree They Faked my Brothers death in 1978 ,he had a wife and four kids . the thought of his death caused my mother to have a stroke and almost die .they left more People Destroyed in this dumb move then if He had really died .not untill 23 yrs later at a stumble from social security did our Family learn that He is alive and in the witness protection program I am trying to find him they are not makeing it easy ,if I have to I will make it cost them more then the progrma was ever worth .
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On 02/02/03
Donna from MO said:
My name is Donna. I sued the Justice Dept.,U.S.Marshal Service,F.B.I.,and the U.S.A.. I sued them in the eary 1980's. The Marshal service took my then ex-husband and my son, age 9 at the time into the Federal Witness Program.I had legal custody of my son and they took him without my knowlege or consent. My ex-husband was involved with the underworld at the time and he thought he was marked for murder so he started talking to the F.B.I.,and they relocated him. I went to court and won but I did not get my son back. It wasn't until my son was 29 years old before I saw him again. He told me of th
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