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In an effort to support law enforcement professionals and their families, San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus announced the creation of the first-ever daycare center tailored exclusively for employees of the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.
"The challenges of law enforcement don't end at the end of a shift," said Sheriff Corpus.
“Our sworn and professional staff face the same work-family pressures as many, but with the added complexity of a demanding and often unpredictable profession. By supporting the well-being of our law enforcement officers’ families, this initiative also strengthens the safety of the communities we serve. When our employees are assured that their children are in a caring environment just steps away, they can better focus on protecting and serving our residents,” he added.
This new facility will provide accessible, affordable, high-quality child care for the children of San Mateo County Sheriff's Office employees, a first for Northern California.
The daycare is designed to meet the unique needs of law enforcement families, offering extended hours to accommodate unpredictable schedules and ensuring care is provided for parents who work non-traditional shifts.
The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office has already secured a lease for the daycare in North Fair Oaks and is fully prepared to move forward.
The move, the Sheriff's Office said, is also intended to save San Mateo County taxpayers money by retaining employees and reducing recruiting and hiring expenses, as well as overtime costs.
He said that the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office loses employees who leave for other nearby agencies or other professions, which means that the community loses experience, institutional knowledge and talent.
The local agency has also pledged to address the gender gap in law enforcement, where women remain underrepresented, noting that a major barrier to hiring women is the challenge of juggling family responsibilities with the rigors of a police career.
“We are proud to remove barriers for women who wish to enter or advance in our profession,” said Sheriff Corpus. “By prioritizing the needs of employees and families, we are sending a strong message: law enforcement is a career for everyone, and we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse future.”
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