SYRACUSE -- There are around 6,400 outstanding warrants in Onondaga County. Not all are for serious crimes - many are for relatively minor matters like traffic tickets or fines - and police are hoping that many of those people want to clear their name.
Police are hoping the benefits of Operation Safe Surrender will have people coming to them. Under the program, people can turn themselves in at the County Courthouse on June 4th and 5th to avoid more trouble with the police. The Operation Safe Surrender task force is available from noon to 6 p.m. on Friday, June 4th and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday June 5th.
"The benefit is they don't have to worry about getting pulled over by the police, spending a night in jail, having their car towed, being taken away from their place of employment,” said Sgt. John Savage of the Syracuse Police Department.
Police and staff from District Attorney's office said those who turn themselves in may receive reduced bail or no bail at all.
Community leaders have joined with police to publicize the program. Operation Safe Surrender is also on the internet. In just a few minutes - anyone can find out if there is a warrant out for them in Onondaga County.
"Since the website went online on April 28th, we've had about 100 people that have come down and turned themselves in on outstanding warrants,” said Savage.
Chuck Sgroi knows a few people who have outstanding warrants for minor issues. He thinks the program is a great idea and he hopes the courts are reasonable with those who do the right thing.
"I'm sure the ones who are up for robbery aren't going to turn themselves in but a kid driving without his license or DWI, if they want to pay the piper, let them,” said Sgroi. “Be lenient, work with them."
Starting June 6th, the police will be stepping up efforts to find anyone who still has an outstanding warrant and they will not be giving special considerations to anyone they have to track down.
To check on warrants visit www.ongov.net/Sheriff/ongov/awarrants.html.
