How does witness protection work in other western nations?

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The RCMP runs the program in Canada.

Details of the program
Before entering the program, participants must be aware of the following guiding principles:

• Participation is voluntary
• Participation is for life, if required (only limited financial support provided)
• Participation is not a reward for testimony
• Protectees' existing legal and financial obligations will remain

Focus on protectees
The program supports protectees by:

• Ensuring their safety
• Addressing their needs (counselling, addiction treatment, etc.)
• Helping them become self-sufficient
• Providing protective measures as necessary, including:
  • Short-term measures such as immediate responses to potential threats
  • Long-term measures such as relocation, change of identity, counselling, and financial support

Even if a witness does not formally enter the program, there may be alternate methods of protection available.

Independent and separate from investigations
The program has a dedicated staff and a separate reporting structure. This:

• keeps the program independent from the investigative arm of the RCMP
• avoids any inappropriate influence on program decisions
• ensures that protection of individuals is the priority

Standard and common service
All protectees receive the same level of service from the program. The program offers services tailored to each witness's circumstance.

The RCMP's role
The RCMP administers the federal Witness Protection Program as directed in the wItness protection act.

We have full-time, dedicated witness protection units spread out across Canada. Specially trained RCMP officers lead these units.