Published: Saturday, Nov. 07, 2009 / Updated: Saturday, Nov. 07, 2009 03:49 PM
Large turnout for Newark 'safe surrender' program
NEWARK, N.J. --
Thousands of people were waiting in line Saturday to turn themselves in under a "Fugitive Safe Surrender" program being held in Newark.
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, with many more expected as the day progressed.
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.
More than 2,200 people turned themselves in during a similar operation in Camden last year.
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