Section 1. For the purposes of this chapter, the following words shall have the following meanings:—

“Board”, the witness protection board established in section 2.

“Prosecuting officer”, the attorney general or a district attorney from each county.

“Critical witness”, any person who is participating in a criminal investigation, or has received a subpoena or who is reasonably expected to give testimony that is, in the judgment of the prosecuting officer, essential to a criminal investigation or proceeding or such person’s relatives, guardians, friends or associates who are reasonably endangered by such person’s participation in the criminal investigation or proceeding.