Quite an important factor that greatly influences the conduct of investigative work and then the trial is witnesses. Without their testimony, it is sometimes impossible to understand who committed the crime and for what purpose. But it often happens that a person who has information about the case and can be of great benefit to the victims can feel unprotected.
In the Russian Federation, legislation is drafted in such a way that it is impossible to ensure complete isolation of a person from the influence of the accused. But everyone will definitely remember at least one high-profile case when witnesses were tortured, mocked them, put pressure on them. Thus, they tried to convince them to pick up or change their testimony. World experience makes it clear that in such cases, a special witness protection institute is quite effective. The first example of a state that already has such a practice should be called the United States of America. Their witness protection program is quite productive and developed at the highest level.
The need for law
In Russia, the proverb "silence is gold." Perhaps that is why the practice of intimidation of witnesses is very widespread in our country. Many residents of Russia are wondering whether a law similar to that of the United States has been passed in the Russian Federation. We must unequivocally answer that yes. It should also be noted that it is developed and operates quite effectively.
Statistics show that the annual number of offenses is increasing, and at the same time, the number of victims and witnesses is growing. Their testimony is necessary for the competent conduct of criminal cases, and they can be both light and high severity. According to human rights activists, almost every fifth person suffers from violence and intimidation when he refuses to change his testimony. However, many of them do not even know that there is state protection of witnesses in the country. Why? Simply people are afraid to tell about this consequence. But you need to understand that if the pressure on the witness is effective, the guilty person may remain at large.
Even for prisoners!
The described program also works for those who are in a pre-trial detention center or colony. She works in the prison service because, being in places of deprivation of liberty, a person is exposed to almost greater danger than at liberty. Especially if an innocent man who was simply framed went to jail. If we recall the last years of the existence of the USSR, perestroika times, then many situations come to mind in which "unnecessary" people were killed right in jail.
Unfortunately, the practice common in the USA, in which people are taken out of the city or state and try to ensure their safety in every possible way, is rarely used in Russia. But I am glad that this institution is already working and even got its name - “Witness Protection Program”. It was formed in 2004.
Who is guarded by the state?
The described law works for those who need real protection of health, living space and property. And it doesn’t matter if this is a witness , a victim or a defendant, a suspect, a lawyer. Although the law has an unambiguous name, everyone who takes part in a criminal case and needs protection is suitable for this program. It can even be defendants, psychologists, witnesses, experts, representatives of any of the parties to the process. A logical question arises: "Is there a protection program in Russia for the loved ones of any of the above citizens?" Yes there is. They are also subject to this law and may be participants in the program. Protective measures may even apply to unofficial whistleblowers who facilitate the resolution of a case.
Program implementation
Unfortunately, the adoption of the law could not immediately solve the problem. It came into effect only after clarification of certain nuances and issues. It took time to resolve all the problems that arise with this paragraph in the legislation. It was then that such a project as “Witness under Protection” was created. At the moment, he is the third in the list of such formations. The first program was adopted in 2006 and operated for two years, the second for the next five, the third began to work in 2014.
At the moment, this project is able to connect all departments for the full protection of the person. This also includes the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Health. In addition, the Ministry of Internal Affairs created a department to guarantee the safety of people who need state protection. Often this project is used in the fight against drug trafficking and in the conduct of cases related to smuggling and corruption.
Departments and Funding
Due to the vastness of the areas involved, the organization of human security is at a high level. With the introduction of a new witness protection program, the state was able to provide more people with life in comparison with the previous two attempts. The state also allocated more funding to guarantee better implementation of the law. It is worth noting that in this case, everything determines finance - one prescribes bodyguards, others are relocated to a new place of residence, some may need to change their name and surname. All this requires certain finances.
How to become a member of the project?
The Witness Protection Act implies that anyone can seek help if they can prove a threat to their life or health. The first thing everyone should do in this situation is to contact the police. There, experts will determine whether the case is suitable for the work of the described law. It should be understood that the words of the person who came will be fully checked, and only if the presence of a threat is confirmed, he will be put up protection.
Sometimes it is not the people who take the initiative, but the state. In such cases, this legal provision may also apply. After clarification of all circumstances, an appropriate resolution is written out, and experts decide how to protect the person.