WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Thom Tillis and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) recently introducedthe Fugitive Safe Surrender Reauthorization Act of 2023. The Fugitive Safe Surrender (FSS) Program engages faith-based organizations to help safely bring individuals to justice.
The program is an innovative program managed by the United States Marshals Service that, by partnering with local law enforcement personnel and local faith organizations, offers individuals with non-violent felony and misdemeanor warrants the ability to begin again by turning themselves into law enforcement and having their cases adjudicated in a safe, community-based setting with positive consideration given to their decision to come forward.
“We need to make sure that U.S. Marshals can focus their time and resources on apprehending violent and dangerous criminals,” said Senator Tillis. “This bipartisan legislation will support the U.S. Marshal Services’ innovative FSS program, which has proven to help protect the safety of law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.”
Background:
The FSS program began as a partnership between the U.S. Marshal’s office, local law enforcement, and area churches to provide opportunities for individuals seeking a fresh start the chance to turn themselves in and address outstanding warrants in a safe environment. This process is safer for individuals with outstanding warrants, U.S. Marshals tasked with locating individuals with outstanding warrants, and the community.
The U.S. Marshals Service typically partners with public, private, and faith-based community organizations to provide a safe environment and the wrap-around services necessary to aid reentry into the community. Given its success, the program has spread to communities throughout the nation.
The Fugitive Safe Surrender Reauthorization Act of 2023 is supported by the National Sheriffs Association, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Association of Evangelicals, Jesuit Conference of Canada, United States Office of Justice and Ecology, and the Network Lobby for Catholic Social Justice.
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