2017 Louisiana Laws
Revised Statutes
TITLE 15 - Criminal Procedure
RS 15:1607 - Petition requesting witness protection services
§1607. Petition requesting witness protection services
A. In any criminal investigation or proceeding, the prosecuting attorney with jurisdiction over the investigation or proceeding may file a petition with the board requesting witness protection services for a critical witness if the prosecuting attorney certifies that such witness's participation in the investigation or proceeding places the witness at risk of harm, including but not limited to intimidation or retaliatory violence. The identity of the witness shall not be provided to the board and shall remain confidential.
B. The petition shall include a proposed plan for protection services which shall include but not be limited to projected costs, method of protection, and likely duration of services.
C. The board shall review the petition as soon as possible and if, by a vote of four or more board members, it finds that the petition and plan comply with the rules and regulations established by the board, the board shall assist the prosecuting attorney in coordinating the efforts of state and local agencies to secure witness protection services.
D. The board shall, subject to appropriation, reimburse the prosecuting attorney for any witness protection related costs that comply with the regulations and guidelines established by the board.
Acts 2009, No. 263, §1.
