The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office was recognized earlier this week in Des Moines by the Iowa Department of Corrections and Iowa State Sheriffs’ and Deputies’ Association of being “Best of the Best” with distinction in the large jail division. Accepting the award of behalf of MCSO was Sheriff Steve Hoffman, right. “This award is a great honor and testament to the commitment of our jail officers and medical staff,” he said. “It is a direct reflection of their professionalism.”

Beginning earlier this year, ISSDA began the “Best of the Best” program. It is designed to recognize jails that go above and beyond the minimum, developing a professional culture and best practices. Awards were presented for small, medium and large jails. The Marshall County Jail has a capacity of 182 detainees, making it ninth largest in Iowa. There are 96 jails in Iowa and two holding facilities, the latter means they hold the prisoner for less than 24 hours.