MAYOR NUTTER, CLERGY START “PEACEFUL SURRENDER” INITIATIVE

Mayor Michael A. Nutter

April 30, 2008 – This morning Mayor Michael A. Nutter, Deputy Mayor Everett Gillison, members of the clergy, and the Philadelphia law enforcement community kicked-off the “Peaceful Surrender” initiative. This effort has the goal of getting approximately one-tenth of the approximately 68,000 individuals with outstanding warrants to turn themselves in over the next year.
“We need these people to come out from the shadows, square themselves with the law and rejoin society,” said Mayor Nutter. “With the 200 additional police officers on the street, the stress of hiding will just increase. Now is the time for those individuals to come forward and make a positive step towards helping themselves.”
The event today educated approximately 150 diverse members of the clergy on the correct way to accept and process a surrendering criminal. Those individuals who choose to take responsibility for their actions and turn themselves in will be shown some consideration under the law, depending on the details of the crime and the circumstances surrounding their fugitive status.
“Not everyone with an outstanding warrant needs to be locked up,” said Deputy Mayor Everett Gillison, an event sponsor. “Many of these fugitives are in hiding with traffic offenses and child support issues. There is no reason why they should not quickly resume their position as contributing members of society.”
Members of the Philadelphia Police Department, District Attorney’s Office, and Municipal Court Judges all participated in the educational seminar and support the goals of a “Peaceful Surrender.”