From Metro Police
Men and women in Davidson County wanted for non-violent crimes, including failure to appear in court, will soon be given a special opportunity toward a second chance during Nashville Safe Surrender 2022.
Nashville’s justice system, in partnership with community leaders, is gearing up for the two-day Safe Surrender event to be held from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday, December 2, and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, December 3, 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 well be able to go home on 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.
“This is a genuine opportunity for persons to address outstanding warrant issues before the holidays, and relieve themselves and their loved ones of unneeded stress,” Chief John Drake said.
“I am proud to be among the Nashville pastors who will be extending welcoming hands to persons coming to the church on December 2 and 3 who truly want a fresh start,” said Reverend William Harris, pastor of Galilee Church, who has hosted four safe surrender events over the years.
This one-time initiative 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.
In addition to the MNPD, members of the justice system participating in Nashville Safe Surrender include District Attorney Glenn Funk, Criminal Court Judge Steve Dozier, Criminal Court Judge Khadija Babb, Criminal Court Judge Cynthia Chappell, Criminal Court Judge Cynthia Smith, General Sessions Judge Lynda Jones, General Sessions Judge Allegra Walker, General Sessions Judge Robin K. Hayes, General Sessions Judge Jim Todd, General Sessions Judge Marcus Floyd, General Sessions Judge Sam Coleman, General Sessions Judge Rachel Bell, Juvenile Court Judge Sheila Calloway, Sheriff Daron Hall, Public Defender Martesha Johnson, Criminal Court Clerk Howard Gentry, and Juvenile Court Clerk Lonnell Matthews.
Nashville hosted a two-day Safe Surrender event at Galilee Church last December, which saw a total of 67 persons receive special consideration to begin resolving their outstanding criminal charges. Those 67 persons were named in a total of 88 outstanding warrants. Nearly all were able to go home the same day.
