NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The city of Norfolk now has $25,000 to put to use in their witness protection grant program after Norfolk City Council voted to approve the ordinance Tuesday night, a decision that Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney is proud of.
It wasn’t until July that the Commonwealth had funding for a witness protection program.
“In the United States, for every 100 murderers, only 60 murderers are arrested,” said Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi. “That’s not Norfolk, that’s America, and part of the reason is because people commit murders, in front of people they know, against people they know.”
Said local resident Danielle Carawan: “If people had an opportunity to speak the truth, and a safe way to do that they would be more forthcoming.”
Fatehi has been one of the main people fighting for witness protection and city council followed suit.
The vote was unanimous to accept the $25,000 in grant funds from the $1 million grant program from Virginia’s Department of Criminal Justice Services. The money will provide various resources.
“Cameras, and temporary relocations, hotel rooms for example,” Fatehi said.
The ultimate goal is to encourage witnesses to testify, something local residents say a protection program can accomplish.
“Knowing that you have someone that’s willing to tell the truth and there’s a safe place for them and their family,” Carawan said, “a lot of people I would think, don’t share what they know because of the fear of repercussions of just saying the truth, so I definitely think it’s a great idea. I’m proud of Norfolk that’s awesome.”
Prosecutors hope people will come forward with information.
“Providing protection for witnesses, if it makes the difference in one murder case, that is one victim’s family that doesn’t have to wonder what if and why,” Fatehi said.
Fatehi said having a witness protection program can also shed light on cases and crimes from decades ago, as the Commonwealth doesn’t have a statue of limitation on felonies.