Transcript of Interview With Offender Who Participated in Fugitive Safe Surrender, Indianapolis, Indiana, April 25-28, 2007

(Interview conducted by Leonard Sipes, Senior Public Affairs Specialist, Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency).

SIPES: OK, we’re now recording and the microphone is, believe it or not, in my ear, so look up at me. OK. Why did you come in today?

OFFENDER: Because I had a warrant and I was very scared to come in.

SIPES: And why were you very scared?

OFFENDER: Because I thought I was going to go to jail.

SIPES: OK. And…and…that...when we’re talking to other people with warrants, especially in the District of Columbia, that’s how they’re going to feel about the process too. And…and so what was your experience? What happened to you today?

OFFENDER: Well, I went to court. They have public defenders there for you. And you go to court right then and there. And as long as its not a violent, violent crime, I mean, you’re….you’re on the road to get back on your probation program or get back on whatever program they put you on and you walk out.

SIPES: OK. And…and how did you hear about the program?

OFFENDER: On TV.

SIPES: OK. And so you came in today, was it a relatively easy process?

OFFENDER: I came in today with prayer on my side. Really. It was a very easy process that I went through, but I was very scared, but I…I came out of those doors.

SIPES: Yeah, I see. And you’re living proof…

OFFENDER: With a warrant and now I no longer have a warrant any more.

SIPES: And how do you…how do you feel about that?

OFFENDER: Ya-hoo! (laughter)

SIPES: (laughter) Yeah, isn’t it a great feeling to have that lifted from your shoulders?

OFFENDER: It felt good. I don’t have to look over my back. I don’t have to do anything but look forward now.

SIPES: What were you worried about?

OFFENDER: I was just worrying about…it was a violation…a probation violation.

SIPES: But when you had…how many months did you have the warrant?

OFFENDER: Oh, God, since 2005.

SIPES: OK. So in…in that entire time, how did you feel?

OFFENDER: Scared. All that time I was scared until today I came in there and they lifted my warrant.

SIPES: What were you scared of?

OFFENDER: Going to jail.

SIPES: OK. So now today you’ve resolved it and you’ve walked out?

OFFENDER: I walked out. I’m not going to jail.

SIPES: And what would you say to the people…the families…because a lot of this is a family decision and some…

OFFENDER: Please, please, I encourage you. Please, if you have a warrant and you’re tired of looking over your back, please go. I mean, you’ll be like me probably. You’ll have that chance to walk out of there instead of being picked up again and collecting another crime.

SIPES: OK. I really appreciate you talking to me today.

OFFENDER: Thank you.

SIPES: Thank you. God bless you.

OFFENDER: Thank you.

SIPES: Good luck to you.

OFFENDER: Bye-bye.