AP

SEATTLE - The State of Washington has launched a $150,000 campaign to get more people behind bars. The state's Department of Corrections is facing a shortage of corrections officers and if it doesn't solve the problem soon, two planned prisons may not be opened this year as scheduled.

According to the DOC, there are some 4,000 corrections officers statewide. But, because of turnover, fewer people applying and the need for officers at the new facilities, the state needs 1,500 more.

"That's an awful lot of people," said Lorna Ovena of the Department's human resources office.

The lack of officers also means prisoners are being sent out of state to facilities that have room and that costs the state money.

The department admits when it comes to recruiting it's facing an uphill battle.

Starting wages are low, the job is demanding and dangerous. 

"It's a dangerous environment and anything can happen at any time," says Correctional Sergeant Kim Ames. "You're always being aware."

But she's quick to add, "It can be stressful at times, but for the most part there's a lot of camaraderie amongst the guards."

So, the DOC ads are hitting the airwaves.

"We want good people," said Ovena. "We want people who want to help these folks make the right choices, so when they go back to the community, they don't go back to prison."

That may seem like a lofty notion, but the Department is hoping it will outweigh the negatives and inspire more people to work in a place where not everyone wants to go.

DOC also hopes that generous state benefits will also help attract new recruits.

Interested persons can get more information by going to the DOC's Web site, www.doc.wa.gov/jobs, or go to the office in Tumwater, Washington.