IOW sheriff discusses working to improve department
Published 9:57 am Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Philip Huggins, left, of Springdale Apartments makes a point while talking to Isle of Wight County Sheriff Mark Marshall. The sheriff recently held a public forum at the Carrsville Community House. In back is Deputy Jim Clarke. — STEPHEN H. COWLES/TIDEWATER NEWS
BY STEPHEN H. COWLES/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Playback58@gmail.com
CARRSVILLE—When Isle of Wight County Sheriff Mark Marshall took over the office one year ago, it was under-funded, under-staffed and under-resourced.
Speaking about his first year in office at the Community Center in Carrsville, Marshall noted replacing an aging fleet of 12 patrol cars and bringing the staff up to level were two of his immediate obstacles.
He also said the worst surprise was discovering evidence scattered about.
“I was looking for a challenge and I got it,” Marshall said.
He said the best surprise has been his employees.
“There were a lot of really good people still getting the job done,” Marshall said. “I intend to have a continuing pool of qualified people.”
The department is working toward accreditation, which is valid for four years and also could lower insurance premiums.
The work should be completed by next January, Marshall said.
“Your presence has helped us,” Joel Bradshaw, co-owner of Bradshaw’s Country Store in Carrsville, told Marshall.
Incidents of bad checks, shoplifting and drive-offs have gone down.
“You guys have been on top of it,” Bradshaw said.
Marshall succeeded incumbent Charlie Phelps, who had served six terms.
