Witness protection

<p>Witness protection is security provided to a threatened <a href="/facts/Witnesses/gGcTPH5n">person providing testimonial evidence</a> to the justice system, including <a href="/facts/Defendant/t7ftlHvP">defendants</a> and other clients, before, during, and after <a href="/facts/Trial_(law)/7mNT4FRG">trials</a>, usually by <a href="/facts/Police/rrdGISgt">police</a>. While witnesses may only require protection until the conclusion of a trial, in particularly extreme cases, some witnesses are provided with new identities and may live out the rest of their lives under government protection. Protection is typically needed when their safety is at risk due to the potential for retaliation. The program aims to ensure their safety and encourage them to cooperate with law enforcement by providing information that can help solve cases and bring criminals to justice. It is an important tool in maintaining the integrity of the justice system and protecting those who are willing to come forward with crucial information.
</p><p>Witness protection is usually required in trials against <a href="/facts/Organized_crime/m2eEga1z">organized crime</a>, where law enforcement sees a risk for witnesses to be <a href="/facts/Intimidate/BmlL4x6f">intimidated</a> by colleagues of <a href="/facts/Defendant/t7ftlHvP">defendants</a>. It is also used at <a href="/facts/War_crime/36qQAugC">war crime</a>, <a href="/facts/Espionage/oaDJ5fAd">espionage</a> and <a href="/facts/National_security/DlmpehRa">national security</a> issues trials.
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Witness protection open-in-new

Witness protection