Fugitive Safe Surrender Days Start

Law enforcement authorities are staging four "Safe Surrender" days in southern New Jersey, giving nonviolent offenders with arrest warrants the opportunity to have their cases resolved quickly, often without jail time.

State authorities say more than 400 people turned themselves in Saturday, the first day of the program being staged at Grace Assembly of God Church in Atlantic City. After taking a break Sunday, the program will resume Monday and continue through Wednesday.

The program is being staged from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, with cases being adjudicated at temporary courtrooms a few blocks away. It's open to those wanted for nonviolent crimes or disorderly person offenses, including family matters and child support.

"Safe Surrender" isn't an amnesty program, but does offer favorable consideration from the court.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)