Witness Protection Program

Paper Summary:

This paper argues that criminals in the Witness Protection Program currently commit few crimes, but low staffing may change this in the future. It begins by defining and explaining more about the actual program and who is entitled to this benefit. It discusses the history of the program - how it was originally started to protect mafia members and its current status. The paper finally looks at some controversial issues surrounding the program, including the cases of some witnesses who committed serious crimes while participating in the program. Includes an outline and annotated bibliography.

From the Paper:

"The Witness Protection Program, where criminals guilty of crimes are given new identities and moved to new locations so they can testify against others without fear of reprisal, is a controversial approach to law enforcement because it releases known criminals into the community instead of sending them to prison. Criminals in the Witness Protection Program currently commit few crimes, but low staffing may change this in the future.
In order to gain convictions, prosecutors need persuasive evidence. When it comes to crimes committed by groups, such as by the Mafia or drug cartels, finding direct evidence may be difficult (SOC), and witnesses become important. Because these organizations retaliate viciously against anyone within their groups who testify against them, those with inside information often need special protection. Because of this problem, the Witness Protection Program was started."

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