State and Local Witnesses

The Witness Security Reform Act of 1984 authorizes the Attorney General to provide protection to State and local witnesses. If such a request is received, the State is asked to reimburse the United States for expenses incurred in providing protection, and to enter into an agreement in which the State agrees to cooperate with the Attorney General in carrying out the provisions of the Witness Security Reform Act. The terms of the reimbursement agreements will be determined by the USMS. If the State or local witness is under State or local supervision, the supervising agency must agree to transfer jurisdiction and supervision to Federal supervising authorities, prior to the witness's acceptance into the Witness Security Program.

Requests from State or local authorities should be directed to the appropriate United States Attorney and should contain all of the information normally required in a Federal witness's Witness Security Program application. The United States Attorney should review the application and furnish his/her recommendation to OEO for consideration.