Kansas crime rates are falling, but its prison population has gone up four times over and it reflects a national trend.

Dr. Greg Monaco of Kansas State was just one of the panelists for a 'Smart Justice Panel' in the library Tuesday night.

Panelists include TPD Chief Bill Cochran and County Corrections Director Brian Cole led the discussion on the criminal and civil court system in Topeka.

The panel compared statewide incarcerations and whether mandatory sentences are too much of a burden on the lives on minor offenders.

They also talked over options like court diversion, mediation and restorative justice.