news-record.com

The “job vacancy” sign is out at the troubled and understaffed state probation department, but the response has been disappointing, particularly in a lagging economy.

Attracting and hiring qualified applicants is critical in restoring the public’s confidence in a system beset by a multitude of problems, including high turnover, low morale and sub-par equipment.

Several high-profile crimes allegedly committed by errant probationers have highlighted those shortcomings. As a result of the ensuing outcry, Gov. Bev Perdue has made probation system reform a priority.

There has been some progress. Relevant  juvenile records are now accessible. New equipment finally lets probation officers communicate with other law enforcement agencies. 

However, that can’t be said for filling street-level jobs, which are so critical in reducing the high caseloads blamed for letting dangerous offenders stay on the loose to commit new crimes.

Despite the mandate to reduce vacancies, the numbers actually rose last year. A persistently high turnover rate has only made matters worse.

Rather than moving ahead proactively and trying innovative approaches, Department of Correction officials appear to be stuck in a time warp.

Recruitment efforts are limited to departmental Web sites. And eliminating entry-level positions rules out younger applicants who might be interested in a  job paying $35,337 annually.

While insisting on two years’ experience in probation work or related fields is commendable, it severely narrows the applicant field. The state, for example, has no qualms recruiting recent college graduates for teaching jobs.

Given the pressing need to fill the more than 140 vacancies, there are several ways DOC might speed up the sputtering hiring process.

One is posting openings on other job-search sites to attract a broader applicant base. Another is acting on a proposal to hire qualified DOC employees laid off when a number of prison units shut down last fall because of  budget constraints.

Working more closely with state four-year colleges that have criminal-justice programs could fill openings, although it means waiving the experience requirement.

Setting up internships at community colleges with law enforcement classes might spark interest and lead to future hiring. Having interns do some clerical tasks could reduce workloads.

Make no mistake, being a state probation officer can be a dangerous, thankless assignment. At the same time, the job can be rewarding.

People are out there who can and want to do it. It’s incumbent on the state to find ways of reaching them.