LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - A study of Nebraska's corrections department has identified worker pay, safety and communication from leaders as major problems within the agency.

The "culture study" released Wednesday is part of a larger effort to reduce employee turnover and avoid dangerous situations in Nebraska's prison system. Staffing shortages, mandatory overtime and inexperienced workers have been cited as factors contributing to a poor job environment.

Corrections Director Scott Frakes says the study confirms many of the concerns he has heard since he took the job in 2015, and will help him focus on areas needing improvement.

The study included responses from 471 of roughly 2,200 department employees. Sharon Rues Pettid, the governor's chief human resources officer, says the response rate was higher than expected.