North Carolina Prison Workers Quitting Fast, Citing Low Staffing

Public safety officials say North Carolina's prisons are facing a staffing crisis, with facilities losing workers almost as fast as new ones are hired.

Despite a hiring push, prison officials say forced overtime is partly to blame for current low staffing levels.

WNCN reports a top leader in the state's Public Safety Department says with one out of five jobs unfilled, vacancy rates are at historic levels.

Deputy Secretary Tracy Little told members of the state's prison reform advisory board on Wednesday that short staffing is leading to mandatory overtime, which in turn pushes people into quitting.

Employees questioned in exit surveys cite the workload and lack of adequate staffing as their top reason for leaving. That's followed by inadequate compensation, unsafe working environments, and scheduling.

State records show 1,812 correctional officers were hired last year, 70 more than those quitting.

The agency has launched a recruiting initiative, which includes a video advertising campaign.