Text Version:
ATLANTIC CITY - It's a second chance for fugitives in South Jersey, as the last of four safe surrender programs in New Jersey is about to kick off in Atlantic City.
Top federal, state and local law enforcement agencies took part in a news conference this afternoon to announce the details of the new jersey fugitive safe surrender program to be held in Atlantic City next month.
Anyone with an open warrant for a criminal, traffic, or family issue can turn themselves in at Grace Assembly of God Church on the 200 block of Atlantic Avenue on April 21, 23, 24, and 25th. After turning themselves in, they will be transferred to the Atlantic City Convention Center where a number of judges will be there to hear their case.
Officials say the outcome will be much more favorable than if the fugitives wait to be picked up by police, which they say will happen if they don't voluntarily turn themselves in.
"They won't have to look over their shoulder and wonder every time they see a police office or every time they hear a police siren whether that police officer is coming for them because they have an open warrant," said Jonathan Diego, A.C. Chief Municipal Prosecutor.
"It's an opportunity for people to get their lives back on track. They'll receive favorable consideration and in many cases they won't have to go to jail," added Chairman James Plousis, New Jersey State Parole Board.
Chairman Plousis says some 10,000 fugitives turned themselves in during the first three safe surrender programs held in Camden, New Brunswick and Newark and thousands more are expected to participate in the event in Atlantic City.