Officials: Thousands of NJ Fugitives Have Surrendered

NEW JERSEY 101.5

New Jersey law enforcement officials say they have welcomed a few thousand people to Jersey City to turn themselves in under a "safe surrender" program for fugitives.

Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman said that as of Friday afternoon nearly 3,000 people had come to a church to surrender. The program began on Wednesday and runs through Saturday.

It's open to U.S. citizens and legal residents wanted for nonviolent crimes or disorderly person offenses, including family matters and child support. It's not an amnesty program, but does offer favorable consideration from the court, often in the form of reduced fines or probation instead of jail time.

Hoffman says 13,000 people have surrendered at four previous programs held in New Jersey.

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