# Justice Manual § 9-21.300: Requests for Preliminary Interviews

> Federal · Agency guidance · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-21.300

## Section

- **Citation:** Justice Manual § 9-21.300
- **Heading:** Requests for Preliminary Interviews
- **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 § 9-21.300

## Text

Upon receiving a Witness Security Program application, OEO will arrange for the USMS to interview the prospective witness as part of the application review process. Because of the need for this preliminary interview, it will be necessary for OEO to receive the application for the witness's participation in the Program as soon as it is clear that the individual (1) is an essential witness, (2) is endangered, and (3) will need to enter the Program. This USMS's "Preliminary Interview" is designed to provide the witness with an overview of Program guidelines and the services that the witness can - and cannot - expect to receive. It will also ensure that all parties involved are aware of the issues which need to be resolved prior to Program authorization and relocation.

The USMS will coordinate the preliminary interview directly with the prosecutor or agent. The USMS requires that a copy of the application and threat assessment be provided to it prior to, or at the time of, the scheduled interview. Before providing a copy of the threat assessment, the agent should contact his or her headquarters Witness Security Program contact concerning any special instructions.

[cited in
JM 9-21.220
]

## 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_S9-21.300. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.