On four postcard-perfect days in November, more than 4,000 fugitives from the law patiently waited in line at Bethany Baptist Church in Newark to surrender peacefully and voluntarily, not knowing whether their submission would result in an arrest. Finally tired of constantly looking over their shoulders, being fearful of early-morning police raids, creating one alias after another, and dodging responsibility for their crimes, 4,197 fugitives took matters into their own hands-hoping for a new lease on life. After much consideration, some legal and familial consultation, and perhaps a little spiritual reflection, these brave individuals became the newest class of fugitives to participate in the U.S. Marshals Service's Fugitive Safe Surrender (FSS) program held in Newark, Nov. 4-7.

The FSS program provides special consideration to nonviolent offenders with outstanding warrants. In most cases, those who avail themselves of the opportunity to surrender safely avoid jail time. Nonviolent offenses include certain traffic violations, disorderly conduct, child support evasion and probation violation. Fugitives traveled from as far south as Florida and as far west as Ohio to take advantage of the program, and only nine were arrested. Playing a critical role in the success of the Newark FSS program was the Police Institute at the School of Criminal Justice, which served as neutral convener of the program. "Given our mission to effectively and impartially bring together community partners to address criminal justice matters, we gladly accepted the invitation to participate in the program so integrally," said Professor Bonita Veysey, acting dean of the School of Criminal Justice.

The Police Institute helped facilitate all aspects of the program, seamlessly coordinating the efforts of various federal, state and local governmental, faith-based and community-based institutions serving Essex and Union counties. "We began the planning process in March, working closely with the partner agencies and training a corps of more than 200 volunteers," said Wayne Fisher, executive director of the Police Institute and program facilitator of the Newark FSS program. A number of volunteers were Rutgers students and staff.

Bethany Baptist Church, led by Rutgers Board of Governors Chair Rev. M. William Howard Jr., heeded the call to serve along with other charitable organizations. The Salvation Army provided soup, hot chocolate and coffee, while a local synagogue prepared sandwiches. Volunteers served food, provided administrative assistance and escorted fugitives from the surrender site, Bethany Baptist Church, to the adjudication site, New Community Corporation/The Priory.

Given the high probability for confusion and calamity, all four days went off without a hitch. "A spirit of cooperation prevailed," noted Lori Scott-Pickens, director of Community Outreach for the Police Institute and program coordinator of the Newark FSS program. "Witnessing the relief on the faces of the fugitives who turned themselves in was priceless. This definitely was the most rewarding community outreach endeavor in which I've ever participated."