Quality applicants

Regarding your March 7 editorial "Step it up," the Department of Correction is working diligently to fill vacant positions in our probation officer ranks. More than 50 officers have started work this year. We're continuing to recruit for 52 positions that remain uncommitted, representing 3.6 percent of our workforce of 1,453 probation officers.

Half of the remaining positions are entry-level probation officer trainees. A four-year degree in criminal justice, social work or a related field is required, but no experience is necessary. We're looking for energetic college graduates ready for several weeks of intensive training to become probation officers.

Thirty interns from a dozen colleges and universities are working in our probation offices, learning the basics of the business.

As Gov. Bev Perdue learned when she rode with a probation officer in Durham last month, this is tough work requiring inner strength and determination. We need people with integrity and compassion, who can be fair and firm with offenders while offering a helping hand.

Finding qualified, drug-free applicants with clean criminal records and strong mental character is a necessity. We won't settle for anything less in a probation officer, and neither should North Carolina's residents.

If you've got what it takes and you're ready to serve, visit www.doc.state.nc.us/recruit.

Alvin Keller

Secretary, Department of Correction, Raleigh