What is a primary goal of witness protection programs?

The primary goal of witness protection programs is to safeguard witnesses from threats related to their testimony. Witnesses, especially in high-profile cases or cases involving organized crime, can face significant dangers due to their cooperation with law enforcement. This protection may include changing their identity, relocating them, and providing them with security measures to ensure their safety.

The need for such programs arises from the understanding that the willingness of witnesses to testify is critical for the criminal justice system to function effectively. By ensuring that witnesses can testify without fear of retaliation, these programs help uphold the integrity of legal proceedings and encourage cooperation from potential witnesses.

While the other options may relate to aspects of the legal process—such as providing legal services or facilitating appearances in court—they do not address the central function of witness protection, which is to ensure the safety and security of witnesses, enabling them to provide testimony without fear of harm.