Today, the RCMP released the Witness Protection Program Advisory Committee’s first annual report. The report highlights notable changes to the Witness Protection Program over the past few years, and offers recommendations on the future of the Program.

As a result of recommendations from various internal reviews and public inquiries, the RCMP has reshaped the Program to be more focused on the individuals under its protection, accountable and independent from investigations. The Program aims, to the extent possible within the confines of the Witness Protection Program Act, to be transparent in reporting on its progress and demonstrating its commitment to high quality, secure and effective service.

As a step in modernizing the Program, the Advisory Committee was formed in 2013. Comprised of subject matter experts in fields related to witness protection, the Committee reports to and advises the Commissioner of the RCMP, or his delegate, on matters related to the effectiveness and efficiency of the Program. It is important to note that the Committee is not involved in, or accountable for specific decisions relating to any particular case.

“These recent significant changes to the Program have resulted in a marked difference in the way witness protection services are now provided,” said Professor Yvon Dandurand, Committee Chair. “The enhancements within the Program will help to ensure that the delivery of services is focused on the protectee, while positioning the Program’s independence from investigations. Centralizing the Program also ensures that the same standards are applied across the country.”

Witness protection is universally recognized as one of the most effective tools law enforcement has at its disposal to fight crime as it provides protection to individuals who are the subject of a substantial threat, intimidation or violence as a result of their assistance or involvement with law enforcement. The RCMP, on behalf of Public Safety Canada, administers the federal Witness Protection Program as directed in the Witness Protection Program Act. The Program remains available to not only the RCMP, but all law enforcement agencies across Canada, foreign agencies, and federal security, defence and safety organizations.

“We are pleased to issue the first annual report by the Witness Protection Program Advisory Committee,” said Assistant Commissioner Todd Shean, Officer in Charge of the Federal Policing Special Services. “The RCMP has taken important steps to improve how we deliver the Witness Protection Program.”

The report’s executive summary can be viewed online or you can request a copy of the full report.