Jail overcrowding continues to be a problem across the country and crime isn’t going away. That’s why the Marathon County Board is hoping to find out what the community things should be done to address this growing concern.

Currently the county, in partnership with UW-Marathon County, is holding public crime and punishment forums. They are looking to get community input on topics like the possibility of a new jail, alternatives to incarceration and keeping the public safe.

"It's kind of an experiment in democracy,” said Eric Giordano, a political science professor at UW – Marathon County. “It's a way to get people to engage in a topic that I think we should care about because it could affect our pocket books. "

A special wrap-up session is scheduled for November 18th in Wausau. Then a final report will be given to the county board for its consideration.