Witness Protection

Assistance for at-risk witnesses

Ontario’s Witness Protection Program (OWPP) was founded on the principle that the justice system has a duty to assist in protecting witnesses who have been or may be exposed to serious danger as a result of their involvement as a witness in the prosecution of serious crimes.

The OWPP is administered by the Ministry of the Attorney General - Ontario in cooperation with various Ontario police services, including the Ottawa Police Service, and has been in operation for over 30 years.

The OWPP is a part of the Ontario government’s commitment to building stronger, safer communities. Witnesses to criminal offences are encouraged to come forward and give their testimony without the fear of reprisal.

Acceptance criteria

1. The life or health of a witness or their family members is judged by the police to be in real danger as a result of their involvement as a witness in a prosecution of a criminal offence;
2. The case is of significance to the administration of justice (e.g., serious crimes of violence, organized crime, robbery);
3. The witness is cooperating with the police and has agreed to provide truthful testimony that is a key element of the Crown’s case; and
4. The witness’s circumstances permit them to freely participate in the OWPP, and their behaviour, such as their willingness and ability to follow security advice, is such that they can benefit from protective measures.

All applications for admission to the OWPP must be made via the police to the Ministry of the Attorney General, Crown Law Office – Criminal. The approval of the Deputy Attorney General is required to enter the OWPP.

Participation in the OWPP is voluntary. Police may also withdraw their support for a witness’ participation at any time.

What the OWPP may provide:

Depending on the individual circumstances of a witness accepted into the OWPP, time-limited funding may be available to cover the costs of:

• relocation to a safe environment.
• rent, utilities, food, and other living expenses.
• exceptional medical expenses, including counselling where appropriate.
• approved educational or employment-related upgrades; and/or
• approved security measures, which may include changing names and obtaining new identification documents.

Responsibilities of the protected witness:

A witness must assume certain responsibilities when accepted into the OWPP, including but not limited to:

• attending court proceedings when required by the Crown and testifying truthfully.
• strictly following all security-related advice and arrangements as determined by the police.
• ensuring that any financial assistance provided is used for its intended purposes.
• signing a letter of acknowledgement.

Other important elements of the OWPP:

The OWPP exists to respond to the most serious of circumstances in very serious cases. It is designed as a measure of last resort.

Protective measures are implemented by specialized witness protection officers independent of the investigator of the underlying offence(s).

Participation in the OWPP is not a benefit or reward for testifying in court or cooperating with police. OWPP assistance is provided solely out of concern for the witness’s safety.

The OWPP does not provide long-term financial assistance.

For more information about the OWPP:

If you, or someone you know, is a witness or victim of a serious criminal offence and are concerned for the life or safety of that witness or victim, please contact your local OPS division.

If you have an immediate concern for a witness’ safety, call 911. 

Contact:

Ottawa Police Witness Protection

Phone: 613-236-1222 Ext #: 4433

Email: [email protected]