The correctional system had 9,986 employees in 1985 and 11,628 employees 5 years ago. In November 1990, the Department of Corrections consolidated all security officer screening and hiring functions to a central screening office. It changed hiring practices to eliminate patronage and ensure uniform hiring practices based exclusively on merit, qualifications, and affirmative action plans. The central office can hire staff more quickly than the previous system and can also be more flexible in meeting strategic hiring goals for the agency. The application process is simple and open to all Illinois residents with only a few restrictions. Applicants must complete three examinations and an oral interview in which two screeners use a standard interview questionnaire and independently rate the applicant in six areas. Applicants also receive screening points for education, work experience, and military service. They are then ranked in order of their screening scores. The Law Enforcement Agencies Data System completes a background investigation. Drug testing and employment reference checks are included. Individual correctional facilities select applicants for hire from their institutional eligibility lists based on screening scores and affirmative action plans. Initial wages and benefits are competitive. The agency received 28,553 applications during 1993 and 1994; of these, 4,646 were placed on hiring eligibility lists and 1,616 were hired. Table and description of community college training program