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Speak Up! - View Question #339 |
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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 04/12/04
rachel from AK said:
I understand how you feel because i never new my father and i wish i did. But if you think about it it kindof is cool because your a different person and can change anything you want about yourself.
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On 04/12/04
kayla from TX said:
well i dont know that much about the program but i wish i knew more so that i can help more people anwser there qustions. it is a really good idea to write letters an do alot of reserch to find your loved ones.
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On 04/12/04
ryan from GA said:
Go talk to the atternoy general
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On 04/12/04
Dezmond from GA said:
I think that you should not enter the witness program because it is to much to bear if you do. Then you can't talk to your parents or something like that. That is awful. That is why you should just mind your own business unless that criminal has killed your family member or has killed your family and friends. So that is why I don't think you should enter the witness program.
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On 03/29/04
EJ from OH said:
If anyone has any information that could help me please let me know.
My family was placed in the program 12 years ago. My brother and sister are now at an age where they need to get ID. We have nothing to prove who they are! Our father was arrested while in the program, which meant they "kicked us out", and left us with nothing! No IDs, birth certificates, nothing, my sister is 20 and can't get a job. We have had nothing but heartache. For one we left all our family behind, and now we have nothing. If you know of anything that can help please let me know! We are desperate!
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