(Granbury, TX) – The Hood County Sheriff’s Office has a new incentive to help build the ranks of qualified deputies.

According to the Hood County News, the sheriff’s office is having such a problem attracting quality applicants that the department will now pay recruits to attend training, in addition to paying for the training.  The cost to the county could be about $16,000 per applicant, with no guarantee that the officer will successfully complete the training or remain with the county long-term.

Sheriff Roger Deets says it’s an ongoing problem over pay, Deputies often get experience in Hood County but then leave to work in counties that will pay them more.  The department has had an opening for a patrol deputy since June.