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December 22, 2024 Clear | 15°F
The 193rd General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Section 5: Protective services provided to critical witnesses; notice to defense counsel

Section 5. Protective services provided to a critical witness may include, but not be limited to:—

(a) any necessary armed protection or escort, marked or unmarked surveillance or periodic visits or contact by law enforcement officials prior, during or subsequent to a criminal proceeding;

(b) physical relocation to an alternate shelter, housing or residence;

(c) reasonable housing expenses;

(d) transportation or storage of personal possessions;

(e) basic living expenses; and

(f) petition for a protective order on any individual identified as a threat to a critical witness.

Any protective services provided to a critical witness shall be made known to defense counsel pursuant to Rule 14 of the Massachusetts Rules of Criminal Procedure.