The Nashville Metro Police Department (MNPD) will hold a “Safe Surrender” event in December, a one-time opportunity for non-violent offenders with outstanding warrants to turn themselves in.
Men and women in Davidson County wanted on warrants for non-violent crimes, including failure to appear in court, are invited to turn themselves in at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church on December 6 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and December 7 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Nashville Safe Surrender is back for 2024! Persons wanted for non-violent offenses can begin the process of clearing up the cases and getting on with their lives on December 6 & 7 at Galilee Church on Herman Street. pic.twitter.com/FdM1i29Stc
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) November 15, 2024
Individuals who take advantage of MNPD’s Safe Surrender event can speak with an attorney and appear at the church before a judge, either from the criminal or general sessions courts.
Juvenile court staff will also be present at the church during Safe Surrender for young offenders.
An on-site Sheriff’s Mobile Booking Unit will process those who surrender at the church before appearing in one of the makeshift courtrooms.
MNPD said those who participate in its Safe Surrender event will be granted “favorable consideration” for surrendering and may be able to go home the same day.
“Pastors will be on hand to assist you in these matters. No tricks, no gimmicks,” Reverend William Harris, pastor of Galilee Church, said in a video published by MNPD promoting this year’s Safe Surrender event.
“This community partnership is designed to help non-violent offenders get their lives back on the right track. Consider taking part for yourself and your family,” MNPD Chief John Drake added.
In 2022, MNPD’s Safe Surrender event saw 56 individuals receive special consideration to begin resolving their outstanding criminal charges. In 2021, 67 individuals turned themselves in.
According to MNPD, nearly all who turned themselves in during both years’ events were able to return home the same day.
Galilee Missionary Baptist Church is located at 2021 Herman Street in Nashville.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
