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| United States Federal Witness Protection Program | |
|---|---|
 Seal of the United States Department of Justice | |
| Administered by | United States Department of Justice |
| Codified under | 18 U.S. Code § 3521 |
| Year established | 1970 |
| Aim | to protect witnesses and their families from harm |
| Operated by | United States Marshals Service |
| Amended by | Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 |
| Authorized by | Organized Crime Control Act of 1970 |
The United States Federal Witness Protection Program (WPP),[1] also known as the Witness Security Program or WITSEC,[2] is a witness protection program codified through 18 U.S. Code § 3521 and administered by the United States Department of Justice.[3]
The program is operated by the United States Marshals Service and is designed to protect threatened witnesses and their family members before, during, and after a trial when those witnesses have an association with the federal government.[4]
The program was originally authorized by the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970 and later amended by the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984.[4] The amended issues included bail, sentencing reform, pleas for insanity, and penalties for drug offenses.[5]
- ^ "Federal Witness Protection Program: Its Evolution and Continuing Growing Pains (NCJRS abstract)". Retrieved August 12, 2020.
- ^ "U.S. Marshals Service". United States Marshals Service. Retrieved July 3, 2019.
- ^ "U.S. Department of Justice | USAGov". www.usa.gov. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
- ^ a b Rateshtari, Roya (August 3, 2020). "Witness Security | U.S. Marshals Service". www.usmarshals.gov. Retrieved March 14, 2023.
- ^ "Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 | Office of Justice Programs". www.ojp.gov. Retrieved March 21, 2023.