SYRACUSE -- Onondaga County law enforcement officials are preparing to launch a new effort to clear out hundreds of outstanding arrest warrants.
At a news conference Wednesday morning, the Syracuse Police Department, Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Onondaga County District Attorney announced "Operation Safe Surrender", an effort to relieve the backlog of approximately 6,400 outstanding arrest warrants in Onondaga County.
On Friday, June 4th and Saturday June 5th, individuals with outstanding arrest warrants will be allowed to surrender themselves in what officials say is a "controlled environment." According to a news release, under Operation Safe Surrender, people who turn themselves in peacefully "may be given favorable consideration by the court with regards to bail status at their arraignment."
Syracuse Police Chief Frank Fowler Frank Fowler emphasized “this is not an amnesty program.” Rather, Fowler said it’s a means for people to safely surrender themselves and begin the process of clearing up their records.
During the two days of "Operation Safe Surrender", the Criminal Court on South State Street in Syracuse will have extended hours: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. on June 4th, and 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on June 5th.
Officials are putting together a public relations campaign for "Operation Safe Surrender," including, television spots, billboards, posters and fliers. Local clergy and community leaders will be going out into their neighborhoods to hand out fliers and offer advice to some of the 6,000+ people with active arrest warrants. "I try to encourage them to take care of their business." Reverend Kenneth Reed told CNY Central, "It'll be better for you now than later."
Onondaga County First Assistant District Attorney Rick Trunfio added that “Operation Safe Surrender” will be followed up by an aggressive enforcement effort to apprehend those who have outstanding arrest warrants, who do not turn themselves in during the designated time period.
For more information on "Operation Safe Surrender", visit the Syracuse Police Department's website.
Click here to search for active arrest warrants.
