LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A new report is outlining a series of steps Nebraska’s beleaguered prisons can take to ensure better outcomes for inmates and staff members.

The report released Thursday by the Office of Inspector General of the Nebraska Correctional System highlights many of the lingering problems in the state corrections department, such as understaffing and crowding.

It also urges officials to hire more minority staff members, including those who speak Spanish and other languages that are prominent in the prison system.

The report notes that at least six Nebraska counties are interested in working with corrections officials on a program that would house work-release inmates in their home counties.

The report was released as prison officials prepare to present their official budget request to lawmakers and Gov. Pete Ricketts.