United States Federal Witness Protection Program

United States Federal Witness Protection Program
Seal of the United States Department of Justice
Administered byUnited States Department of Justice
Codified under18 U.S. Code § 3521
Year established1970
Aimto protect witnesses and their families from harm
Operated byUnited States Marshals Service
Amended byComprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984
Authorized byOrganized Crime Control Act of 1970

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.

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.

The program was originally authorized by the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970 and later amended by the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984. The amended issues included bail, sentencing reform, pleas for insanity, and penalties for drug offenses.

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