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 2024 tomorrow and Saturday.
Our city's justice system, in partnership with community leaders, is ready for the two-day Safe Surrender event to be held from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. tomorrow (Friday), and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday 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. Representatives of the Urban League will be at the church to help with job placement.
"This is a real opportunity for persons to address outstanding warrant issues before the holidays and eliminate the family stress associated with knowing those warrants exist," 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 6 and 7th who truly want a fresh start," said Reverend William Harris, pastor of Galilee Church, who has hosted six safe surrender events over the years.
This one-time initiative for 2024 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 156 persons visit. Thirty-four received special consideration to begin resolving their outstanding criminal charges. All were able to go home the same day. Additionally, 275 expungements were processed over the two days.
In December 2022's Safe Surrender event, a total of 56 persons received 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.