DRUG WITNESSES UNDER PROTECTION

The Australian Federal Police are harbouring 75 people in their
witness protection program, with the majority expected to testify in
drug trafficking and corruption cases, a new report says.

The program relocates witnesses in criminal proceedings and can give
them new identities.

"The majority of participants in the National Witness Protection
Program have been accepted into the program because of their
involvement as witnesses in prosecutions relating to organised,
large-scale importation of illegal drugs or corruption matters," the
program's annual report 2006-07 said.

The report found the program provided protection and assistance for
75 people during the year to July 2007.

One of those witnesses was readmitted to the program after an
extortion attempt was made against a family member.

Another 14 people were assessed for inclusion during that period, but
one application is still being considered and 11 were knocked back.

No information was given on what happened to the other two people.

The report found none of the protected witnesses had failed to give
evidence in the past year because of intimidation or a personal attack.

"Attempts have previously been made to intimidate participants and
there have been occasions where this has occurred in the court
environment," the report says.

The report has also warned that some witnesses are stuck in the
program for longer than they initially expect.

"Multiple trials and continuing court delays hinder the early
reassimilation of some witnesses into the community," the report says.

"Participation in the (program) is generally related directly to the
duration of the court proceedings, and for security reasons, legal
proceedings involving protected witnesses do not receive listing priority."