The effective prosecution of persons involved in organized criminal activity often requires the development and use of testimony obtained from witnesses who were themselves involved in crime. These witnesses include victims of crime, material witnesses or any person prepared to provide relevant testimony or information to law enforcement officers engaged in an ongoing criminal investigation, or to any court. These witnesses are to be protected from actions wrongfully taken against them, or their family, because of their participation as a witness. The standards set forth in this chapter are intended:
(1) To encourage the cooperation of potential witnesses with law enforcement authorities;
(2) To assure the safety and security of those witnesses;
(3) To provide accountability in the cost and operation of the witness program; and
(4) To protect the community from those with a history of criminal behavior.
History of Section.
P.L. 1990, ch. 331, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 65, § 1; P.L. 2001, ch. 244, § 1.