Utica residents with outstanding arrest warrants will be able to arrange a scheduled surrender under a new initiative announced Thursday by the Utica Police Department and local court officials.
Operation Safe Surrender is a joint effort involving the Utica Police Department, Utica City Court, the New York State Unified Court System, the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office and the Oneida County Public Defender’s Office. The program is scheduled to begin Dec. 9 and continue on the second Wednesday of each month.
How the process works
People with outstanding warrants who want to participate must first contact the Utica Police Department and arrange an appointment. After an appointment is set, participants are directed to report to Utica City Court. They will be processed there and brought directly before a Utica City Court judge.
The police department said the arrangement is intended to replace an unexpected arrest with a planned court appearance. Captain Michael Curley said the process provides a controlled way to address warrants, allows people to appear voluntarily and supports a prompt appearance before a judge.
- The surrender is scheduled in advance through the Utica Police Department.
- Participants report to Utica City Court for processing and a judicial appearance.
- The announced process does not include handcuffs or a holding cell.
- The initiative is scheduled for the second Wednesday of each month beginning Dec. 9.
Utica police said the initiative also is intended to reduce the possibility of an unexpected encounter that could disrupt a person’s work, family responsibilities or other parts of daily life. The department said a planned process may reduce risks for both officers and the people involved.
Participation does not erase the warrant, dismiss charges or settle any other outstanding court obligation. The court retains authority over each case and will make the judicial decisions after the participant appears before a judge.
The agencies described the initiative as a way to encourage voluntary compliance, accountability and cooperation between residents and the local justice system. The department’s announcement directs people seeking to use the program to contact the Utica Police Department to schedule an appointment before reporting to court.
