HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It is a problem most, if not all, of law enforcement is encountering — a shortage of patrol officers and jail staff.

The problem has been brought to the forefront by the Hutchinson Police Department as it looks to fill 16 positions. The department recently hired five new officers who are going through training at the Law Enforcement Training Center near Yoder. That still leaves the department 11 officers short.

The city has been going nationwide to recruit potential workers and offered an incentive package as well. Many other surrounding communities are doing the same.

It’s not as bad in surrounding communities, although most are short officers. McPherson Capt. Mark Brinick says he is using resource officers in schools to get in touch with potential recruits as early as possible. “We’re trying to get out into the community to let people know about the department,” Brinick said. “Some people just aren’t familiar with what we do.”

The story is not as bad in Newton where Capt. Craig Dunlavy is two officers short. The department is constantly attending job fairs and using social media to find new officers. At full strength, the department has a staff of 40. “Years ago we really didn’t have a problem. Now we have to go nationwide to find potential officers,” Dunlavy said.

The shortage hits in two areas for the Reno County sheriff’s department. Currently, the department is short just one patrol officer, but needs to fill four spots in the county correctional facility. At full staff, the department has 45 deputies and 42 jail staff.