The procedures set forth infra apply to all organizations within DOJ and all organizations that use the Witness Security Program or use individuals in the custody of the USMS or BOP. The Office of Enforcement Operations (OEO), Criminal Division, is charged with overseeing both of these programs.

The Witness Security Reform Act of 1984 (the Act) extends the authority of the Attorney General established as part of the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970 to provide protection and security by means of relocation for persons who are witnesses in official proceedings brought against persons involved in organized criminal activity or other serious offenses where it is determined that an offense described in Title 18, United States Code, Chapter 73 (obstruction of justice) or relating to a similar State or local offense involving a crime of violence directed at a witness is likely to occur. The Act also sets forth the authority by which the Attorney General may provide protective services to certain relatives and associates of protected witnesses. In this regard, 28 U.S.C. 524 authorizes the use of DOJ appropriations for the payment of "compensation and expenses of witnesses... at the rates authorized or approved by the Assistant Attorney General for Administration."