Local Prosecutors Push for Witness Protection Program in MS

The State of Mississippi does not provide protection for witnesses who testify in court. Many potential witnesses do not want to testify for fear of retaliation.

The Mississippi Prosecutor’s Association (M.P.A.) is working closely with those in Jackson to provide witness protection. Tony Lawrence, Jackson County District Attorney, says, "We’ve actually had a couple cases in the state where prosecutors have lost witnesses, but it’s also something I have talked to witnesses about and they have fears and worries and concerns."

Lawrence is co-chair of the M.P.A.’s legislative agenda. He’s hopeful lawmakers will pass their witness protection bill this session. The bill is meant to help encourage people to testify in trials dealing with violent crimes. Brad Byers, Investigator for the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office, says, "Well, it would help make sure that juries get all the facts in the case. You know, witnesses wouldn’t be afraid to testify."

Under the proposed bill, the state could put witnesses in public housing in different parts of the state throughout the entirety of the case. Unlike the federal program, the state will not provide protection after the trial is over. The M.P.A. is asking the state for $750,000 to start the program. Lawrence also says, "The goal in a trial is to search for the truth and we want anyone who has a piece of information to come in and be able to testify."

Thursday, the witness protection bill passed through the State Senate and will now head to the House of Representatives. The M.P.A. is also working to change the statute of capital murder to include mass killings, as well as to change the statute of sexual abuse for children to include touching a child with a foreign object.