§ 12-30-1 - Statement of purpose. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 12-30-1

   § 12-30-1  Statement of purpose. – The effective prosecution of persons involved in organized criminal activityoften requires the development and use of testimony obtained from witnesses whowere themselves involved in crime. These witnesses include victims of crime,material witnesses or any person prepared to provide relevant testimony orinformation to law enforcement officers engaged in an ongoing criminalinvestigation, or to any court. These witnesses are to be protected fromactions wrongfully taken against them, or their family, because of theirparticipation as a witness. The standards set forth in this chapter areintended:

   (1) To encourage the cooperation of potential witnesses withlaw enforcement authorities;

   (2) To assure the safety and security of those witnesses;

   (3) To provide accountability in the cost and operation ofthe witness program; and

   (4) To protect the community from those with a history ofcriminal behavior.