Fugitives Promised Safe Surrender During Program Next Month

by Paul Milo 

Acting state Attorney General John Hoffman in Newark Wednesday announced a new, temporary  program that will guarantee the safety of criminal fugitives who turn themselves in.  

“If you are wanted for a non-violent offense, we invite you to join the 13,000 individuals from across New Jersey who have already placed themselves on the right side of the law, thanks to Fugitive Safe Surrender,” Hoffman said. “Though not an amnesty program, this represents the best opportunity and the best deal you will ever find.”

Fugitive Safe Surrender-North Jersey will run from Wednesday, Nov. 6 through Saturday, Nov. 9 at Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Church, 661 Montgomery St., Jersey City. Those wanted for non-violent offenses will be able to turn themselves in from 9 am to 4 pm during the four days. They will be transported across the street to the Jersey City Armory, where their cases will be adjudicated with the help of Superior Court and municipal court judges, as well as prosecutors and public defenders.

Those who turn themselves in will not receive an amnesty, Hoffman said, but will receive special consideration from the courts. Nearly all fugitives -- about 99 percent -- were able to return home the same day during other fugitive return programs, Hoffman said.

Anywhere from 3,000 to 4,000 wanted people are expected to turn themselves in during the safe return period. A total of 13,276 people surrendered during New Jersey’s four previous FSS events, which were held in Camden, Newark, Somerset/New Brunswick and Atlantic City.