Peter Elliott, Director of the United States Marshals Service Northern District of Ohio, created the Fugitive Safe Surrender program following the death of his friend, Cleveland police officer Wayne Leon. | FSS Cleveland (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service)

U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott and U.S. Congresswoman, Marcia Fudge, prepare for an FSS event. | FSS Cleveland (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service)

The late Cleveland Congressional Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones expressing her support for the Fugitive Safe Surrender program. | FSS Cleveland (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service)

The Reverend C. Jay Matthews, whose help set the template for community church involvement as a core of the FSS program. | FSS Cleveland (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service)

Ohio Attorney General and former United States Senator, Mike DeWine, notes the state of Ohio’s support for the FSS program. | FSS Cleveland (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service )

Marion County, Indiana Sheriff's Deputies man the front door and metal detector at the church. | FSS Indianapolis (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service)

Local media play an important role in the success of an FSS weekend. Here, Marshal Peter Swaim gives an interview to the local Fox affiliate. | FSS Indianapolis (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service)

Volunteers and staff demonstrate the check-in process to a Congressional staffer (center)| FSS Indianapolis (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service)

Volunteers stand ready to greet program participants, providing a friendly face in the first step of the process. | FSS Indianapolis (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service)

One of the greatest challenges – and triumphs – of FSS has been creating seamless court systems in community parishes. | FSS Memphis (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service)

In addition to bottled water and light snacks being offered to fugitives and their families, there are also set up child care areas as well. | FSS Memphis (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service)

Volunteers and staff work hard to help ease the anxieties and provide reassurance during a Fugitive Safe Surrender weekend event. | FSS Memphis (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service)

Dr. Sim Hassler, Pastor of Nashville’s Antioch First Baptist Church, posts a sign at his church announcing the program. | FSS Nashville (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service)

Getting the word out in as many ways as possible has been a key to successful FSS events. Here, a Jefferson Street exit along I-40 on day 2. | FSS Nashville (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service)

Bus signs have proven especially effective in getting the word around town that FSS is here to help. | FSS Nashville (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service)

The rolling word. A bus sign outlining the Fugitive Safe Surrender program. | FSS Nashville (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service)

Fugitive Safe Surrender billboards dot the landscape in Nashville along I-40 and other highways. ( Electronic billboards courtesy of Lamar Outdoor Advertising ). | FSS Nashville (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service)

Media coverage was strong in Nashville. Television stations went live on day 4. | FSS Nashville (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service)

Cooperation and collaboration between local, state, and federal officials are crucial to the success of FSS. Here, Memphis Sheriff Luttrell and U.S. Marshal Jolley. | FSS Memphis (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service)

Nationally, the program’s 4000th safe surrender occurred in Nashville, TN on August 2, To date, some 35,000 people have come through the FSS program.| FSS Memphis (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service)

One of the courtrooms in Indianapolis, complete with Judge, Public Defenders, District Attorneys, and Court Reporters. | FSS Indianapolis (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service)

Pastor William R. Harris addresses the media at his church, the Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, 2021 Herman St., Nashville, TN, at the news conference, July. 18,2007. | FSS Nashville (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service)

Community trust in local churches has been a cornerstone of the program. Here, the FSS sign outside Messiah Missionary Baptist Church in Indianapolis. | FSS Indianapolis (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service)

U.S. Marshal Denny W. King addresses the media at the Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, Nashville, TN, at the news conference. | FSS Nashville (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service)

The relief many people feel after coming through an FSS process is tangible. In the photo, a woman leaving the church finds relief and support. | FSS Nashville (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service)

When all goes as planned, by the end of the weekend, there’s a sense of individual relief and community gratification. Here, volunteers at Memphis' New Salem Missionary Baptist Church. | FSS Memphis (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Marshals Service)