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Safe Surrender Day held at church in Daytona Beach

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — People in Daytona Beach with warrants had a chance to turn themselves in without going to jail Tuesday.

Those with outstanding warrants surrendered at the Greater Friendship Baptist Church as part of Safe Surrender Day.

Clergy members handled most of the interaction so those with warrants didn't have to deal with a police officer.

They reported to a judge via video link, then they were free to go.

"A lot of people know they have a warrant on them and they're scared. And when they see a cop they run. And when you run, only bad things can happen," said Daytona Beach Police Chief Mike Chitwood.

The Safe Surrender program was only available to suspects wanted on non-violent charges.