Marshall County Sheriff Joel Phillips was on the KFJB line Monday talking about how Marshall County was a pilot for a new program with the National Center for State Courts and the Iowa Judicial Branch.  It started back in December of last year.

This was the first workshop in a series throughout the state.  Sheriff Phillips says there were about 44 people participating in the two-day event.  One topic was community mapping.

One thing they noticed was that people who have low misdemeanor crimes are spending more time in jail.  They are not getting the help and services they need when they are integrated back into society.

All six of the intercept points are an opportunity to intervene and give the individual some support and help. Sheriff Phillips says there are a lot of non-profits that can help people it is just about establishing relationships to start up similar programs.

Zach Tomesch, News Director KFJB