Success in Newark's 'safe surrender' program

NEWARK, N.J. -- Thousands of people waited in line Saturday to turn themselves in under a "Fugitive Safe Surrender" program being held in Newark.

"I'm just trying to get rid of my warrants, basically I'm tired of running," program participant, Tiffany Taylor said.

It was the fourth and final day for the program, which gives those with outstanding warrants for nonviolent offenses the chance to resolve their legal problems, usually without going to jail.

Officials say about 3,000 people have already been processed at Bethany Baptist Church since the program began. And about 2,500 more were waiting there by late Saturday morning.

Cases were processed at the church, then referred to a judge sitting at a location nearby. Authorities say Essex County, which includes Newark, had about 9,000 fugitives who qualified for the program.

I have no more warrants, everything was taken care of. I really appreciate this program, now I can get my license back," another program participant said.

More than 2,200 people turned themselves in during a similar operation in Camden last year.

      QUICK HEADLINES | NEW YORK NEWS | GET NEWSLETTERS
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ABC 7 SOCIAL NETWORKING
Find us on Facebook® | Follow us on Twitter
More social networking
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MORE FROM ABC 7
ABC 7 widget | Most popular stories | Street-level weather
Mobile Alerts | Report Typos | See News? Tell Eyewitness news
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Get more Local News »

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•