By Mallory Panuska
Times West Virginian
FAIRMONT —
After more than six months of operation, the Marion County Day Report Center has been deemed a positive, successful addition to the local judicial system.
From saving taxpayers money in regional jail costs to contributing to community service projects, statistics show that this state grant-funded program is showing great promise for the county and the 27 participants it has kept out of jail and geared toward a life of reform.
“It’s a very interesting concept in law enforcement and community policing,” director Ted Offutt said of the center. “It not only saves money, but it is more hands on with individuals in the program who may have gotten lost in the shuffle before.”
An alternative sentencing option for criminal offenders, the day report center is similar to home confinement. Offutt said the participants are mostly non-violent, adult offenders who have been ordered to participate in the program instead of serving time or awaiting court proceedings in the regional jail.
