Federal witness protection program lets government witnesses get new identities . But the transition to a new life does n't always come easily , he said . People in program need protection because they ' ve testified against criminals . Most people in the program are n't law - abiding citizens , program 's spokesperson says . ` ` These people truly are in danger , '' a U.S . Marshals Service official says .
Federal witness protection program lets government witnesses get new identities . People in program need protection because they ' ve testified against criminals . Most people in the program are n't law - abiding citizens , program 's spokesperson says . ` ` These people truly are in danger , '' a U.S . Marshals Service official says .