The U.S. Marshals provide for the
security, health and safety of government
witnesses, and their immediate
dependents, whose lives are in danger
as a result of their testimony against
drug traffickers, terrorists, organized
crime members and other major
criminals.
The Witness Security Program was
authorized by the Organized Crime
Control Act of 1970 and amended by the
Comprehensive Crime Control Act of
1984. The Marshals have protected,
relocated and given new identities to
more than 8,200 witnesses and 9,800 of
their family members since the program
began in 1971.
The successful operation of this program
is widely recognized as providing a
unique and valuable tool in the
government’s battle against major
criminal conspirators and organized
crime.
Witnesses and their families typically get
new identities with authentic
documentation. Housing, subsistence for
basic living expenses and medical care
are provided to the witnesses. Job
training and employment assistance may
also be provided.
The Marshals provide 24-hour protection
to all witnesses, while they are in a highthreat
environment including pretrial
conferences, trial testimonials and other
court appearances.
No Witness Security Program participant,
who followed security guidelines, has
been harmed while under the active
protection of the Marshals.
In both criminal and civil matters
involving protected witnesses, the
Marshals cooperate fully with local law
enforcement and court authorities to
bring witnesses to justice or to have
them fulfill their legal responsibilities.
U.S. MARSHALS
FACT SHEET
WITNESS SECURITY PROGRAM
Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Marshals Service Pub. No. 21-E
revised Feb. 3, 2009
