(I did not see this topic covered under any other post -- if it is, then here it is again.)

I would think that the Witsec names the writers provide would be considerably different from the original names for these witnesses. Often, it is the same first name with a last name that starts with the same letter, or even the same first two or three letters. How easy would that be for someone trying to hunt the witness, to find that person who is using a name that is so similar to the real name?

Also, the same goes for the aliases for Mary and Marshall. "Mary Shepard" is so much like "Mary Shannon", and "Marshall Miller" is so much like "Marshall Mann".

I considered the argument that this is just in case there is anything monogrammed, so the initials would be the same, but the witnesses give up everything else from their old lives -- monogrammed items would also have to go. The same goes for the marshals -- no monograms, to protect their real identities.

I know it is too late for the names on Mary or Marshall, but I would hope that the writers would change the witnesses names more than that, in future shows.

If *I* was going in to witness protection (for seeing a crime, not for being a criminal! ), I would want a name that is COMPLETELY different from my real name. Otherwise, I would be a dead man.

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BTW, in case you are wondering, my ID SamBeautyBrainsGuts began with "Stargate SG-1", for "Samantha Carter". The same could apply now for "Mary Shannon" -- beauty, brains, and guts -- at least, IMHO. I'm a Christian man, who is happily married to one great wife , for many years now, and I support strong women who happen to also be beautiful, like my wife (and of course, I support those strong women who may not have been born beautiful). So I know these are both just TV shows (and very good ones), but I say to both characters, "You go, girl!" I hope we have many more like you in real life!

I, too, would want to change my name completely. However, I recently read a book about Witsec by Pete Early, and according to this, witnesses are encouraged to keep only their first real names, and preferably their real initials. Did not make sense to me at all!

I too thought it was weird that the witnesses on the show did that, until I read that it was encouraged in the WitSec program. One would think that they'd want to completely change their names, but I guess keeping something similar helps with the transition.

And it must work since that whole "no one who follows the rules has ever been harmed" is apparently true (or so they tell us).

I would think keeping the same first name and initials would help to remember the new identity. I always think of The Simpsons episode where they go into protection and Homer can't remember what his new name is and won't answer to it.

We're being a bit literal here. I'm sure the similar names are for the ease of the viewer. I rather doubt real WITSEC agents use such similar names.

You would actually be surprised. It's also for the sake of their mental health at times; after losing everything you've had your whole life, keeping a somewhat similar name can be good to keep your mind a little more stable. Also, the witnesses choose their own names, so it's really all on them.

They addressed that either in an episode or online somewhere. Generally you keep the same first name because it's a lot easier to do than getting a whole new name. Like they said above with the Homer thing, if someone yells out the name Tim in a crowd but you've been Bob for the last thirty years, your less likely to respond. A last name change isn't as big of an adjustment

Actually it makes alot of sense. There are few unique names out there, I am sure you can find a dozen people in a small city that shares your first name. You won't be found simply because you keep your first name. Not only do the criminals not have a clue where you are, they would have to search each town, each city, combing through dozens of people. Only the truly desperate would even attempt such a search


Also it helps them reply normaly. The idea of WITsec is to blend in perfectly. If you meet a future employer and give the name Dan, and then meet a new person while next to this employer and accidentally use the name Steve out of sheer habbit, its going to cause problems. Also if you keep your original first name, you can reply much faster. When you hear your name, you can instantly go, right thats me and reply.

Also I am sure it helps keep the person sane. I mean you lose everything. Your first name can sort of act as an anchor.

Does any of that make sense?

According to a book co-written by Gerald Shuler, who was the Witsec creator, that is actually how they rename witnesses. And, if you notice, even in the show the weird names they change -- like the Jewish man, who had the very uncommon name. They changed his name, didn't they? The more common names they keep the same; after all, I know about four Katie's, a ton of Lindsay's, some Eric's, etc., and I live in a super small town. If a name is that common, why not keep it?

My comment was with regard to the names the agents use, not the witnesses.