Witness Protection

Originally formed in 1983, RSMO 491.640 outlines the administration of the Missouri Witness Protection Program. The program provides for the security of witnesses, potential witnesses and their immediate families in criminal proceedings instituted or investigations pending against a person alleged to have engaged in a violation of state law. Providing for witnesses may include provision of housing facilities and for the health, safety and welfare of such witnesses and their immediate families, if testimony by such a witness might subject the witness or a member of his immediate family to danger of bodily injury, and may continue so long as such danger exists.

The Missouri Witness Protection Program is based on the Federal Witness Protection Program which is a comprehensive, long-term service; however, because this program is not funded by the legislature and our funding is limited, we cannot duplicate it in its entirety. Toward this end, it is hoped that expenses will be reasonable and consistent with the degree of security required, and that the period for which protection is necessary will not exceed 60-90 days.

The program is a reimbursable program, meaning that the county incurs the cost and MOPS will then reimburse county for authorized expenditures. Other arrangements can be made only with prior approval, and only in extraordinary circumstances.

Lodging - This includes housing, apartment rentals, motel expenses, or funds to provide space in another jurisdiction's jail or correctional facility.
Food - A modest, specific per diem rate should be established at the time protection is requested and adhered to throughout the period of protection.
Moving Expenses - A witness may relocate to another county or to another state. When possible, the witness should utilize a rental truck or other self-moving means.
Transportation - One-way bus tickets or other transportation modes otherwise approved by the Missouri Office of Prosecution Services.
Overtime Expenses - Reimbursement of overtime expenses for Law Enforcement to maintain surveillance of the witness's residence or workplace for a specific period of time is allowable.

All applications submitted are confidential. All applications must be submitted by or through the county prosecuting attorney's office or the office of the circuit attorney. (The exception to this procedure would be cases where there is a duly appointed special prosecutor).