Representatives from European law enforcement and judicial agencies aimed to create guidelines on best practice for witness protection practitioners at a major two-day conference organised by the Association of Chief Police Officers (Scotland) at the Scottish Police College, Tulliallan, on Friday 13 October 2000.
Over 100 delegates listened to a variety of internationally-renowned experts from such diverse bodies as the US Marshals Service, the UN War Crimes Tribunal, Europol and the Central Protection Service in Italy, speak on issues surrounding the relocation of people who are under threat as a result of their co-operation with the judicial processes. The conference is co-funded by the FALCONE programme - which is directed at combating organised crime within Member states and is named in honour of Judge Gionvanni Falcone, whose pursuit of organised criminals led to his assassination outside Palermo in 1992 - and the Scottish Executive. Mr John Orr, the Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police and Chairman of the ACPOS Crime Standing Committee, welcomed the delegates to the European Conference on Witness Protection and Mr Ian Sneddon, Head of Police Division at the Scottish Executive, gave the Ministerial opening address on behalf of Mr Angus McKay, Deputy Justice Minister for Scotland.
As well as identifying the recurring and emerging operational problems in witness protection, speakers examined the potential for collaborative training within Member States, informed and influenced those involved in policy development and explored and pursued opportunities for cross-border working arrangements. The conference provided an opportunity to examine the feasibility of forming a European Witness Protection Liaison Group, to oversee the development of all operational issues and to report and advise on matters of witness protection to the European Union Multi-Disciplinary Group on Organised Crime.
Mr Graeme Pearson, Assistant Chief Constable (Crime) of Strathclyde Police provided the UK perspective on witness protection, Mr Giancarlo Bianchini and Colonel Antonio Reho from the Italian Central Protection Service discussed the role of witness protection in an investigative strategy. Mr David Tolbert, Senior Legal Advisor with the UN War Crimes Tribunal explored the need for and the practical difficulties associated with international re-locations and Mr Elmar Lillpop, Head of Witness Protection at Bundeskriminalamt, Germany, outlined emerging issues concerning witness protection in Europe.
Mr John Orr, the Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police and Chairman of the ACPOS Crime Standing Committee, said: -
"I am delighted that the Falcone Programme has enabled ACPOS to host this exciting and innovative international conference.
"Whilst witnesses play a fundamental role in the criminal justice system, their function has received relatively little attention, compared with the study of offenders or the victims of crime. The ability of witnesses to give their evidence without fear of intimidation is pivotal to the maintenance of justice in any civilised society. An increasing number of police forces and agencies throughout Europe have established specialised units to protect witnesses in the case of serious crime, or where there is a clear indication that the provision of evidence will place the life of the witness, or their family in danger.
"Indeed, ACPOS responded to the problem in 1995, with the establishment of a Scottish Witness Protection Programme based in Strathclyde. The Programme has provided protection to a number of witnesses involved in serious or organised crime, enabling the witnesses concerned to give evidence and secure a conviction against those responsible.
"Organised crime is an international problem and the battle against this type of crime and the associated witness protection issues must be an international effort.
"The aims and objectives of this conference are ambitious - but achievable. Everyone attending the conference should make the most of this opportunity to formalise procedures, share knowledge on the subject and discuss best practice. It is an excellent platform to enhance the service we all provide."
Media contact: Carolynne Coole at Strathclyde Police Media Services on
0141 532 2812 for further information.