Men and women in Davidson County wanted on warrants for non-violent crimes, including failure to appear in court, will be given a special opportunity toward a second chance during Nashville Safe Surrender 2023.
Our city’s justice system, in partnership with community leaders, is preparing for the two-day Safe Surrender event to be held from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday, December 8, and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, December 9, at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, 2021 Herman Street.
Non-violent persons who are ready to accept responsibility can come to the church on one of the two days to receive favorable consideration for surrendering, and may be able to go home the same day. They will be able to speak with an attorney and appear before a judge, either from the Criminal or General Sessions Courts, at the church. There are no religious requirements.
Juvenile Court staff will also be available at the church to help persons address outstanding child support issues. Additionally, the Metro Action Commission will be on hand to take applications for utility payment assistance. Operation Stand Down Tennessee will be present to help veterans connect to needed services.
“As our community has seen from prior Safe Surrender events, this is a real opportunity for persons to address outstanding warrant issues before the holidays, and relieve themselves and their families of the stress associated with stress of being wanted,” Chief John Drake said.
“I am proud to once again be among the Nashville pastors who will welcome persons coming to the church on December 8 and 9 who truly want a fresh start,” said Reverend William Harris, pastor of Galilee Church, who has hosted five safe surrender events over the years.
This one-time initiative for 2023 is the product of weeks of planning that will ultimately turn the church into courtrooms and offices for attorneys and clerks. A number of community volunteers will be on hand both days. Persons surrendering will be processed using an on-site Sheriff’s Mobile Booking Unit before appearing in one of the makeshift courtrooms.
Nashville hosted a two-day Safe Surrender event at Galilee Church last December, which saw a total of 56 persons receive special consideration to begin resolving their outstanding criminal charges. Those 56 persons were named in a total of 76 outstanding warrants. Nearly all were able to go home the same day.
In December 2021’s Safe Surrender event, 67 persons who were named in a total of 88 outstanding warrants came to Galilee Church. Nearly all of them were able to handle their issues and head home.
Video announcement for Nashville Safe Surrender 2023
Safe Surrender organizers will be available to speak with media representatives at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 5, at Galilee Church, 2101 Herman Street.