The Tennessee Department of Corrections will now offer incentives for those interested in a career in public safety.

According to a release, effective April 21, all new correctional officer applicants will receive a $5,000 sign-on bonus that will be payable over an 18-month period. TDOC says a $4,000 retention bonus will be offered to current correctional officers employed at a TDOC facility.

“One of the most important functions of any organization is a commitment to recruiting and retaining employees,” Commissioner Tony Parker said. “While TDOC has been successful in reducing turnover to a five-year low in the last fiscal year, vacancies in the security series remain high, despite our best efforts at recruiting. Filling vacant positions is a challenge faced by law enforcement agencies across the country. Still, we recognize that we must find creative solutions to ensure that we continue to meet our mission of operating safe and secure prisons and providing effective community supervision in order to enhance public safety.”

TDOC employees who recruit new correctional officers will be eligible for a $1,000 bonus.