As police departments across New York continue to face staffing shortages, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is introducing new legislation aimed at supporting law enforcement families.

Speaking at Poughkeepsie City Hall, Gillibrand called for the passage of the Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act. The bipartisan bill would provide $24 million annually in federal grants to help police departments either open child care centers or partner with local providers. The goal is to offer care that aligns with the demanding and irregular schedules of law enforcement officers.

“One of the problems is, is that daycare centers are from like 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., maybe 6 p.m. if you’re lucky,” said Sen. Gillibrand. “But that is not when our law enforcement has their shifts. If you have to be at work at 5 a.m., well what are you going to do?”

City of Poughkeepsie Police Chief Richard Wilson echoed the senator’s concerns, reflecting on his own experience as a young officer.

“When I first became a police officer, the biggest anxiety and stress for us was how we were going to piece meal together child care,” said Chief Wilson.

Gillibrand says the lack of accessible child care is one of the biggest challenges in recruiting and retaining officers, particularly women.

If passed, funding could be available as soon as next year for departments here in NY and across the country.