# Justice Manual § 9-21.220: Emergency Authorization

> Federal · Agency guidance · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-21.220

## Section

- **Citation:** Justice Manual § 9-21.220
- **Heading:** Emergency Authorization
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Agency guidance
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** DOJ Justice Manual / Title 9: Criminal / 9-21.000 - Witness Security / Justice Manual § 9-21.220

## Text

Protection of a witness for whom relocation is being requested remains the responsibility of the sponsoring investigative agency until such time as (1) OEO has reviewed the application and all other relevant information (including the results of the psychological examination), (2) the OEO Director has approved admission of the witness into the Witness Security Program, and (3) the USMS has had the opportunity to arrange the safe removal of the witness and his/her family.

If it is determined that a witness is in imminent danger of harm and the investigative agency is not able to provide the necessary protection, emergency Program protection may be authorized by OEO and provided by the USMS before completion of the written risk assessment and all parties have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding. However, before this emergency protection can occur, the USMS must first conduct a preliminary interview (see
JM 9-21.300
) to ensure that there are no obstacles to temporary relocation. The assessment and Memorandum of Understanding must be completed as soon as practicable following the authorization for emergency protection.

## Nearby sections

- [Justice Manual § 9-21.010 Introduction](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-21.010.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-21.020 Scope](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-21.020.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-21.050 Utilization of Persons in Custody of BOP or USMS for Investigative Purposes, or as Targets of Investigative Activity](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-21.050.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-21.100 Eligibility for the Witness Security Program](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-21.100.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-21.110 Informants](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-21.110.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-21.130 Prisoner-Witnesses](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-21.130.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-21.140 State and Local Witnesses](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-21.140.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-21.200 Approval Authority](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-21.200.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-21.220 Emergency Authorization](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-21.220.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-21.300 Requests for Preliminary Interviews](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-21.300.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-21.310 Representations and Promises](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-21.310.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-21.320 Expenses](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-21.320.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-21.330 Psychological Testing and Evaluation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-21.330.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-21.340 Polygraph Examinations for Prisoner-Witness Candidates](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-21.340.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-21.220. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.