Protecting witnesses, experts and victims
Threats often cease after a trial, but in the case that they do not, some form of legislative protection may be introduced, such as to safeguard terms and conditions of employment. Where the threat is both physical and likely to be continuous, some form of witness protection program may be used. Such a program can be costly, complicated and lengthy, so should only be considered where conviction is either unlikely or negated without the presence of the witness. It should be subject to appropriate budgeting, risk-assessment and other established procedures, and usually shared with other law enforcement agencies.
