WASHINGTON, D.C. (Erie News Now) – In the line of duty, police officers are trained to expect the unexpected. But there’s one challenge many never expected to face—finding someone to watch their kids while they protect their communities.

“At one major metropolitan police department, more than half of the officers reported having to leave or missed work due to child care issues,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D- NY.). 

In a recent survey, more than 70% of law enforcement agencies reported that recruitment is more difficult now than five years ago. That’s why Sen. Gillibrand is leading the charge on a bipartisan bill—the Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act—to unlock $24 million a year, for the next five fiscal years, in federal grants for departments to offer flexible child care options. 

“It would provide grants for these departments to open up their own child care facilities, contract with child care centers, or provide scholarships or subsidies for their officers or their families,” Gillibrand said. 

For smaller departments—those with fewer than 200 officers—20% of the funding will be reserved specifically for them. 

“Policing is one of the most important and noble professions there is. Those who do this work should have the support they need to do it well,” said Gillibrand. 

Gillibrand said the child care crisis hits younger and female officers the hardest—often forcing them to choose between service and family. 

“Offering child care is a powerful recruitment and retention tool, and it's an essential way to promote public safety while maintaining a stable law enforcement workforce,” she said. “It would make sure we recruit the best talent into our enforcement agencies.” 

Gillibrand described the bill as a pilot program and a proof of concept to show Washington, and the entire country, what’s possible when the nation takes care of the people who protect its citizens. 

The legislation is also supported by several police unions and law enforcement organizations. 

“This bill, aside from helping current law enforcement families, will also improve recruitment and retention efforts across the country for future officers. This measure will incentivize potential officers with young children who have reservations about joining our profession due to the lack of reasonable child care options. If we as a nation are to address the retention and recruitment crisis in law enforcement, we must be prepared to invest and innovate. This legislation is a good first step,” said Fraternal Order of Police National President Patrick Yoes in a letter sent to House lawmakers in May.