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Columbia, S.C. - Once a year fugitives can stop looking over their shoulders and make good on past mistakes.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott says his Department Fugitive Task Force allows a one-week period of time each year in which fugitives can turn themselves in and go immediately before a judge instead of going directly to jail, awaiting a hearing. 

Sheriff Lott says this year the Fugitive Task Force has mailed out 1240 letters to fugitives of Family Court bench warrants asking them to come forward and take responsibility for their crimes. This year these fugitives can make an appointment to turn themselves in May 18,19 and 21; hopefully heading them on the right track to being positive contributors to society and also bringing closure to their families.

In 2008, Lott partnered with the U.S. Marshals Service and other Midlands law enforcement on Fugitive Safe Surrender.  The event was held at Bible Way Church of Atlas Road where Lott says 382 fugitives turned themselves in to authorities.

Sheriff Leon Lott would like to encourage those on the run to surrender to authorities during the 2009 Responsibility Days.