WITNESSES ARE OFTEN KEY TO
GETTING VIOLENT OFFENDERS BEHIND
BARS.
TOO MANY TIMES, FEAR FOR THEIR
OWN SAFETY TAKES OVER.
>> WITNESSES ARE OFTEN INTENT --
INTIMIDATED FROM TESTIFYING.
WHETHER THAT IS SOME BUT HE WAS
A GANG MEMBER.
>> THAT IS WHY TONY LOOK MEYER
SPONSORED A BILL CREATING THE
PRETRIAL WITNESS PROTECTION
SERVICES FUND.
PROVIDING MONEY TO HELP RELOCATE
WITNESSES DURING INVESTIGATIONS.
>> TO PUT WITNESSES IN A HOTEL
ROOM OR PROVIDE TEMPORARY
HOUSING FOR THEM.
MAKING SURE THEY ARE ABLE TO
COME FORTH AND TESTIFY IN TRIAL.
>> THAT TESTIMONY IS CRUCIAL IN
COURT.
>> IT MAKES IT DIFFICULT FOR
PROSECUTORS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
TO BRING THESE VIOLENT OFFENDERS
TO JUSTICE.
IF NO ONE WILL TESTIFY, IT IS
DIFFICULT TO GET A CONVICTION.
>> IT IS HEARTBREAKING WHEN YOU
HEAR STORIES FROM VICTIMS
FAMILIES, WHEN YOU HEAR STORIES
FROM POLICE OFFICERS AND PEOPLE
ARE SAYING EVERYBODY KNOWS WHO
DID IT BUT YOU CAN’T PROVE THE
CHARGES BECAUSE YOU CAN’T GET A
WITNESS TO TESTIFY.
>> HE BELIEVES THE WITNESS
PROTECTION FUND IS A MA
