Delhi Police top-brass brainstorm on witness protection scheme

New Delhi: "Protection of witness in the case" remained one of the top priorities in the recently held law and order meeting in police headquarters in the first week of June.

Police sources said that during the discussion among the senior officer's constitution of witness protection cell was a key agenda. Police sources told Millennium Post that the meeting was supervised by Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik with senior officers including DCsP of 15 districts and units.

"Discussions were held regarding the witness protection scheme and the role of the Delhi Police. A dedicated witness protection cell is to be constituted to implement the witness protection orders under the scheme," sources said adding that upon passing of witness protection order, the witness protection cell shall also file a monthly follow-up report before the Competent Authority.

Police sources further added that in case the Competent Authority finds that there is a need to revise the Witness Protection Order or an application is moved in this regard, and upon completion of the trial, a fresh threat analysis report shall be called from ACP/DSP in charge of concerned Police sub-division.

Sources further revealed that once an order for the protection of the identity of the witness is passed by the competent authority, it shall be the responsibility of witness protection cell to ensure that identity of such witness, his or her family members including name, parentage, occupation, address, digital footprints are fully protected. "

"As long as the identity of any witness is protected under an order of the competent authority, the witness protection cell shall provide details of persons who can be contacted by the witness in case of emergency," added sources.

In appropriate cases, where there is a request from the witness for change of identity and based on the threat perception by Commissioner of Police in Commissionerates/SSP in district police investigating the case, a decision can be taken for conferring a new identity to the witness by the Competent Authority.

The witness protection is providing a police escort to the courtroom, offering temporary residence in a safe house or using modern communication technology (such as video conferencing) for the recording of testimony.

Presence of Investigating Officers in the court

Sources said that in the meeting discussion were held between officers regarding the presence of IOs in the court. It was told that all police personnel upon service of summons shall attend the court on the day of appearance.