Witness protection program
Last updated:
19 March 2012
The importance of protecting people who are at risk as a result of assisting law enforcement agencies is recognised worldwide. We are the only independent commission in Australasia with this responsibility, as witness protection elsewhere is handled by state or national policing bodies.
The value of evidence provided by victims of crime, innocent bystanders to a crime, and people who have information about criminal or corrupt activity (often because they are themselves associated with crime or corruption) cannot be overstated. Since our witness program began in 1987, we have protected over 1650 people, with a 100 per cent success rate by:
A person does not have to be a witness in a court of law to qualify for witness protection. Anyone who has put themselves and their families or associates in danger by helping a law enforcement agency may be eligible for protection. The relevant law enforcement agency usually applies to the CMC for protection on behalf of the witness.
Participation is voluntary — witnesses themselves make the final decision about whether or not to take part. Since by its nature the full program is restrictive, some people are unable or unwilling to do so. As such people are still likely to need help with their security we can provide them with more flexible forms of assistance if necessary.
Although the security of those we protect is paramount, we also put a high priority on meeting their day-to-day needs and overall welfare. For example, if they have problems such as drug or alcohol addiction, financial difficulties or family court matters, we ensure they have access to professional support services. Many witnesses have been rehabilitated as a direct result, and have credited this largely to the support provided by the program.
The relevant law enforcement agency usually applies to us for protection on behalf of the witness. Under the Witness Protection Act 2000, Our Chairperson (generally on the advice of the Witness Protection Advisory Committee which is chaired by an Assistant Commissioner of the Queensland Police Service) decides who to admit to the program by considering:
Under the Act, the Chairperson must not accept a person if:
As it can take up to eight weeks for a person to be formally admitted to the program, we usually offer interim protection within 48 hours of when we receive an application.
(07) 3360 6060 or 1800 061 611*
*Toll-free in Queensland outside Brisbane
© Crime and Misconduct Commission (Queensland) 2012
