Operation Safe Surrender Coming Up

LARGO, FL — The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is providing an easy way for residents who happen to have non-violent misdemeanor warrants out for their arrest to turn themselves in. The agency plans to play host to an Operation Safe Surrender event next Saturday, Feb. 20.

During the one-day event, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., people who have outstanding warrants can turn themselves in. While doing so won’t guarantee wanted people will get off without consequence, the court does look favorably on those who do, the agency noted in an email to media.

“On this day, individuals with non-violent misdemeanor warrants who were notified via mail out notifications will be encouraged to turn themselves in and resolve their warrants,” the sheriff’s office email said. “In lieu of being arrested, those individuals with warrants meeting the criteria established by the State Attorney’s Office will have their cases reviewed and potentially resolved either by a case continuance, monetary fine and/or case dismissal.”

The operation is being held at the Suncoast Safety Council, 1145 Court St. in Clearwater. People with last names that begin with the letters A-K are asked to arrive between 9 a.m. and noon. Those with last names that start with the letters L-Z are asked to arrive between noon and 3 p.m.

The operation is a partnership between the sheriff’s office, the State Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, 6th Judicial Circuit Judges and the Clerk of the Courts.

“Previous Safe Surrender day events have brought in as many as 171 individuals processed, 205 warrants purged and $9,179.50 collected in fines, court costs and restitution,” the sheriff’s office noted.

People who have questions about warrants may call Sgt. Bryan Bingham for more information at 727-582-6149.

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