Prisoners have the opportunity to request protective custody if they get the impression that the environment they are living in is harmful to their well being.
US federal prosecution of organized crime figures led to the offering of witness protection to key government informers.
In 1964 Joseph Valachi became the first La Cosa Nostra member to publicly testify to the existence of the organized crime group, appearing before a congressional committee.
Also in 1995, 257 protected witnesses testified at trials against organized crime members, resulting in a substantial number of convictions.
[3] In return for assistance from these participants, the witness and family members over 18 years of age must each sign a memorandum of agreement.
Protected witnesses live a more comfortable life than other prisoners, which includes having free and unlimited access to telephone and cable television and the ability to use their own money to buy food, appliances, jewelry, and other items.