Tens of thousands of fugitives are present in the state of Ohio. Many are wanted for violent crimes, non-violent felonies and misdemeanor infractions. It is law enforcement’s responsibility to apprehend these fugitives. These duties are among the most dangerous faced by authorities. Fugitive status creates a broad range of burdens and dangers for the fugitives themselves, their families and the community.
Fugitives often hide their identities, either to avoid detection or to further their criminal behavior. They live in constant fear of arrest, and out of the mainstream of their own communities.
They receive support through:
- Criminal activity, such as drugs, prostitution or theft;
- Work where they are paid “under the table” and have no health care or other benefits; or
- Family members.
For the thousands of fugitives across America who have no history of violence, Fugitive Safe Surrender offers a unique opportunity to take their first and most crucial step toward community re-entry.
Goals:
- To reduce the risk to law enforcement officers who pursue fugitives, to the neighborhoods in which they hide, and to the fugitives themselves.
- To clear up court dockets and paperwork to allow them to more efficiently service the community.
Are you a community leader?
To host a successful Fugitive Safe Surrender, the following community members should be involved in the program.
- Front-line law enforcement (sheriffs and police)
- Prosecutors (county and municipal)
- Judges (county and municipal)
- Public defenders
- Local bar association
- Probation offices
- Clerk of courts office
- Court administrator’s office
- Social services
- Local clergy
Depending on the location, other people or agencies may particpate.
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Q. How do I know if I have a warrant out for my arrest?
A. If you are not sure if you are a fugitive, you can perform a background check on yourself for a fee. Find a WebCheck location in your area to investigate.
Q. Can I turn myself in at a Fugitive Safe Surrender site if my warrant is not from the county where Fugitive Safe Surrender is currently taking place?
A. Fugitive Safe Surrender is for people with warrants from the county in which the program is being held. If you have a warrant from a county other than the one where FSS is going on, you may still turn yourself in. However, the likelihood that you will be taken into custody will increase because there will be no one present from that county.
Q. Will attorneys be available on-site to assist me with my case?
A. Yes. The local Public Defender’s office or representatives of the local Bar Association are participating partners in Fugitive Safe Surrender and will be on hand to answer your legal questions.
Q. Will I go to jail if I turn myself in?
A. If you are surrendering under a non-violent felony or misdemeanor warrant the possibility of you going to jail is low. In most cases, 90% or more of those who surrender during FSS with non-violent felony or misdemeanor warrants have their cases heard and adjudicated and are released the same day. However, each case is seen on a case-by-case basis and there is no guarantee that you will not be arrested at Fugitive Safe Surrender.
Q. I don’t have a driver’s license. What ID’s are acceptable?
Most forms of ID are acceptable to bring to Fugitive Safe Surrender (social security card, state ID card, military ID, Medicare/Medicaid card, etc.). Even if you do not have any form of ID you may still turn yourself in at Fugitive Safe Surrender.
Q. What are the hours Fugitive Safe Surrender operates?
A. The typical hours of Fugitive Safe Surrender are 9am to 5pm, during the 4-day surrender period. It is recommended that you try to show up as early as possible. This will lessen the chance of you having to wait a long time to have your case heard.
Q. Is there child care available at the site?
A. Most sites provide child care during the surrender period. Anyone who is providing child care at the surrender site has undergone a background check and has state certification. Please check with the surrender site prior to arriving to ensure child care is available.
Q. Can I still surrender if I am wanted on a violent charge?
A. Anyone may surrender, even those with violent charges or a history of violence. It is important to keep in mind that if you are surrendering to a violent charge or have a history of violence in your past, you will typically be taken into custody.
Q. Is Fugitive Safe Surrender an amnesty program?
A. No. Fugitive Safe Surrender is not an amnesty program. People who surrender during Fugitive Safe Surrender must accept responsibility for the acts they have committed and face the consequences of those actions. They are able to do so in a setting that may be more comfortable for them. Individuals who surrender during Fugitive Safe Surrender are typically given “favorable consideration” by the judge and prosecutor for having peacefully and voluntarily surrendered.
Q. What religious requirements are necessary to surrender?
A. There are no religious requirements to surrender during FSS. Fugitive Safe Surrender provides those with non-violent felony and misdemeanor warrants the opportunity to surrender in a more comfortable and neutral environment. If you do not feel comfortable surrendering at a church, an alternate, secular site is available.
Q. What happens if I don’t turn myself in during the 4 surrender days?
A. Generally, if you do not take advantage of Fugitive Safe Surrender during the 4-day period fugitive sweeps will be conducted by federal, state and local law enforcement in the county in which Fugitive Safe Surrender was hosted.
Q. Are there other services provided at Fugitive Safe Surrender?
A. At many Fugitive Safe Surrender sites various social services are provided, such as jobs, health care, drug and alcohol counseling, housing, etc. Also, at many locations the Ohio BMV is on hand to reinstate driver’s licenses that qualify for reinstatement.