It’s an “historical” moment for the development of the Marshall County Community Corrections program.
That’s the assessment of Superior Court II Judge Dean Colvin, who appeared Monday morning before the Marshall County Commissioners. A newly formed Community Corrections Board has taken some time to develop a job description, advertise a vacancy, review candidate credentials, and recommend a candidate to oversee the program’s operations.
Judge Colvin says under the proposal, Court Services Director Ward Byers would take over management of the Community Corrections Program.
“There will not be a replacement for his position,” says Colvin. “But that position will continue to remain as a line item in the budget in the event that in the future we have to make changes with regard to the Community Corrections Program, we can always fall back into that position.”
The offering allows Marshall County residents in the justice system an opportunity to receive alternative sentencing in certain cases as opposed to the Indiana Department of Corrections.
Judge Colvin serves as President of the Community Corrections Board – which oversees the hiring and recommendation process. He says Byers’ position as Court Services Director will be absorbed into the Community Corrections duties.
“Under the auspices of the board, the board will continue to monitor things such as home detention and will also monitor court services, as you know it: that is the MCDAP program,” says Colvin. “The MCDAP Program will remain a self-sustaining program here in Marshall County.”
The Marshall County Commissioners approved the recommendation, unanimously. It makes Byers the first Director of the Marshall County Community Corrections program.
He will take over the position on January 1st, 2016.
