WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S.
Marshals today announced the results of the latest Fugitive Safe
Surrender initiative – this one taking place over three days in
Washington, D.C.
Fugitive Safe Surrender, a U.S Marshals program, encourages persons
wanted for non-violent felony or misdemeanor crimes to surrender
voluntarily to faith-based leaders and law enforcement in a church.
From November 1-3, 530 persons took that opportunity and turned
themselves in at the Bible Way Church in Northwest D.C.
The first person to surrender during the D.C. program was Willie
Jones, wanted on a warrant for distribution of heroin. Jones, like
many of the participants in Fugitive Safe Surrender nationwide, was
reportedly tired of looking over his shoulder, and frustrated with
his inability to get employment or drive a car without worry of
arrest. After going through the process, Jones emerged from the
church 40 minutes later with a personal bond and his warrant
dismissed.
Jones spoke highly of the program and the second chance it provided
him. He also encouraged others to take the step. “It’s a very good
program, trust it and walk on in,” he said.
The U.S. Marshal for the District of Columbia Superior Court, Steve
Conboy, introduced the Fugitive Safe Surrender initiative in
Washington, D.C., and participated in nearly two years of planning
and preparation prior to the event. “This is a way to extend the
olive branch to foster trust in the community, and ask folks to do
the right thing,” said Marshal Conboy. “It doesn’t have to be
difficult, and it doesn’t have to be dangerous,” he added.
While 53 of those who surrendered had felony warrants, less than
three percent of all those who participated in the program were
arrested. Among the warrants for the 10 arrested were domestic
violence, escape from jail and felony assault. Sixty four of the
people who appeared at the church found they had no active warrants
against them.
Fugitive Safe Surrender has now been successfully implemented in
seven cities where nearly 6,500 people have turned themselves in.
Plans are to continue the program in additional cities, with no
dates announced as of yet.
Under the auspices of the U.S. Marshals, the D.C. Criminal Justice
Coordinating Council provided local coordination of Fugitive Safe
Surrender here with its partners, the Court Services and Offender
Supervision Agency (CSOSA), the Metropolitan Police Department, the
Pretrial Services Agency, the U.S. Parole Commission, the D.C.
Superior Court, the U.S. Attorney’s Office the D.C. Public Defender
Service, the Office of the Attorney General and the D.C. Department
of Corrections.
###
America’s Oldest Federal Law Enforcement Agency
For more information, go to the U.S. Marshals web site at
www.usmarshals.gov. |
