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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
April 25, 2007 U.S. Marshals Service, Office of Public Affairs
(202) 307-9065
 
DAY ONE OF “INDIANAPOLIS SAFE SURRENDER” NETS HOMICIDE-RELATED SUSPECT
 
More than 80 fugitives surrendered to Deputy U.S. Marshals during the opening day of the agency’s “Fugitive Safe Surrender” program in Indianapolis.

The Marshals’ innovative program encourages persons wanted for non-violent crimes to turn themselves in at the Messiah Missionary Baptist Church in Indianapolis between now and Saturday, at 4:00 p.m. However, one fugitive sought on two counts of attempted murder also surrendered today.
 

Marshal Peter Swaim, Colts Coach Tony Dungy, and Deputy Marshal Mark Robinette launch Fugitive Safe Surrender.

Indianapolis Colts Coach Tony Dungy’s televised announcement supporting the program spurred the overwhelmingly positive media focus on the program. Coverage has included two headline stories in the Indianapolis Star.

People who accept responsibility for their actions benefit from this peaceful surrender initiative,” said United States Marshal Peter M. Swaim. “They have their cases adjudicated in a safe, relaxed environment. Fugitive Safe Surrender underscores the sincere collaboration between the community and the criminal justice system.”

The Indianapolis office of the famed United States Marshals Service became the third district in the nation to host such an initiative. “Our goal is to reduce the risk to law enforcement officers who pursue fugitives, and to lessen the risks to fugitives themselves, as well as the neighborhoods where they hide,” said Swaim.