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Sheriff announces two-day "Safe Surrender" for warrants; county officials raise concern over local UPMC work center closure
Summary
Clinton County's sheriff described a planned two-day "Safe Surrender" event in October to allow residents to address outstanding warrants and urged use of arranged courthouse services. Commissioners also raised concerns that a local UPMC work center closed without notice, potentially creating barriers for job seekers and employers.
The Clinton County sheriff told commissioners Oct. 16 that the county will hold a two-day "Safe Surrender" in October, offering residents an arranged opportunity to address outstanding warrants and, in many cases, arrange payment plans or other resolutions.
"This is an opportunity where everything is arranged. Come in, take care of your warrant," the sheriff said, adding that the program does not guarantee avoidance of jail for severe offenses but often leads to different handling when someone voluntarily comes to the courthouse.
The sheriff said the event will be held on two days in October from noon to 5 p.m. and will include magisterial-level judges available to process matters during that window. He cautioned that arriving outside scheduled hours could result in being held until a judge is available. The sheriff encouraged residents to use the county Facebook page and the Clinton County Sheriff's Office page for updates.
During commissioner remarks, an official raised concerns about an unannounced closure of a local UPMC work center used for drug screens and employer referrals. The official said UPMC told the county that those services must instead be accessed in Williamsport, creating a transportation hurdle for job seekers and employers who previously relied on the local center.
The official said county staff contacted the regional director of UPMC to request that services be restored or that staff be transferred from the Williamsport work center to the Lock Haven work center so local employers are not required to send applicants out of the area. "None of the employers were made aware of it, and that's unacceptable," the official said.
The transcript records the county's outreach to UPMC leadership and a request that services be provided locally; no formal action or vote on the matter was recorded during the meeting.
Provenance: Sheriff remarks begin at 00:06:14 and discussion of the UPMC work center begins at 00:08:20 in the transcript.
