County Supervisors OK Looking Into Child Care For Law Enforcement

SAN DIEGO, CA — The county Board of Supervisors agreed unanimously Tuesday to explore the provision of subsidized childcare services for county law enforcement employees.

Along with the feasibility of such a benefit, supervisors also directed Sarah Aghassi, interim chief administrative officer, to determine short- and long-term costs of child care services for employees of the Sheriff's and Probation departments.

Aghassi and county staff will return with their findings and recommendations at a later date.

Supervisor Joel Anderson -- who made the proposal along with Sheriff Kelly Martinez -- said in a statement that with the county losing 20 deputies per month, it's important to improve recruitment and retention efforts.

Anderson said personnel shortfalls also impact specialized law enforcement positions, including nurses and mental health clinicians.

Providing childcare will help attract and retain talent, and "will ultimately benefit public safety throughout the county," he said.

Anderson added that he was grateful to have support from the Deputy Sheriff's Association and the San Diego County Probation Officer Association on the proposal.

Martinez said that as a single parent who raised her son while working nights, weekends and holidays, she looked forward to a study focused on supporting working parents.

"Deputies should be free (from) worrying about their children while they are protecting our communities," Martinez added.

In 2022-23, supervisors also authorized other Sheriff's Department hiring incentives, including family care support and an online platform for childcare navigation.

— City News Service