NJ's Safe Surrender program begins

SOMERSET, N.J. - November 3, 2010

Offenders with outstanding warrants can turn themselves in through Saturday at the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset.

Fugitives do not receive amnesty. But officials say they are viewed favorably by the courts, often receiving probation or reduced fines. They also may get job skills training and substance abuse counseling referrals.

New Jersey Attorney General Paula Dow says the program is cost-effective and poses less risk to law enforcement officers.

More than 25,000 people nationwide have turned themselves in since the program began in Cleveland in 2005.

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