Correctional facilities across the state have struggled to fill staffing shortages for years. Some facilities are trying new things to attract applicants.

Questionnaire-style applications are now available at a number of sheriff's offices for people interested in applying for a job, including at the Oneida County Sheriff's Office.

The application replaces the traditional Civil Service exam for correction officer positions, and can be taken online. The Oneida County Sheriff's Office is also holding open house events for prospective hires.

This time last year, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office had 73 positions to fill. This year, there are 78 positions available.

Sgt. Curtis Morgan of the Oneida County Sheriff's Office is trying to get the word out that they are hiring to fill the openings. It can be a challenge to recruit people into law enforcement for several reasons, including wait times.

In the meantime, employees are retiring or leaving.

“It happens just like it happens in every profession. Somebody comes in, they try it out. Maybe it's not for them. Maybe somebody has a loved one, gets relocated to another place, they don't meet the residency requirements. Or maybe they just leave the state. Unfortunately, turnover is real, and it's something that we have to deal with," Morgan said.

Law enforcement agencies are easing their qualifications or making applying easier for prospective hires. So are correctional facilities.

The traditional Civil Service exam for correction officer positions can now be taken online. And in Oneida County, it's offering open house events where those who are interested can come in, learn about the job and even take care of background steps that would typically be more drawn out.

“If you need help getting signed up for the test, we can assist with that. You can do an interview, fingerprints done and you can set up to get the polygraph test. You don't have an appointment for that. So anything that we can do to streamline the process. It's a great benefit to not only us, but to the members out there in the community," said Morgan.

The Oneida County Sheriff's Office’s next open houses are 12 to 7 p.m. May 8 and 9.

Morgan added there are a lot of benefits to working at a correctional facility, including retirement.