Marshall County Attorney Jim Clevenger updated the Marshall County Commissioners last week on a recent visit by Indiana Court Services. The government agency has been tasked to identify procedures in the Marshall County judiciary system to see if there is more that can be done to reduce the jail population.
The visit occurred earlier this month where they reviewed Criminal Rule 26, according to Clevenger. Criminal Rule 26 indicates that inmates may be released on bond or recognizance following a risk assessment conducted by the Probation Department. Clevenger noted that the county has been following the procedure for a number of years.
In essence, Commission President Kevin Overmyer said the judicial branch seems to be doing what is supposed to be done. Commissioner Stan Klotz said suggested programs may be modified to fit the specific needs of Marshall County.
Clevenger did stress that the report would not give a suggestion on if the county should move forward with a proposed jail expansion. He commented that many other counties in the state are suffering from overcrowding issues.
The Marshall County Commissioners may decide on how to proceed with plans in a future meeting.
However, the jail population has decreased significantly in the past few months. As of Wednesday, March 25 the population was at 206.
Governor Eric Holcomb recently signed Senate Bill 256 which would establish a fourth court in Marshall County effective July 1, 2021. It is the anticipation of the commissioners that the addition of Marshall County Superior Court No. 3 will help move along pre-trial inmates that are housed in the jail and to resolve their cases in a more efficient manner.
