The Baltimore Police Department (BPD) has received Board of Estimates (BOE) approval to pilot a new childcare support and accessibility project for its members. The pilot, which will begin in January 2025, will provide 100 BPD members with a financial allowance to supplement childcare expenses, for children between infancy and 12 years old, as well as children with special needs.

The project aims to support both sworn and professional members and will serve as an important retention and recruitment tool. Once enrolled in the program, BPD members will receive up to $250 per month ($3,000 annually) from BPD to help cover the cost of childcare expenses and each member will have access to childcare services through a national network of childcare providers. The services will allow members who have nontraditional schedules and unexpected schedule changes access to emergency childcare services. 

“The Baltimore Police Department is proud to begin this pilot program to support our members and ensure that they can have a successful career, while also raising a family,” said Commissioner Richard Worley. “I know first-hand that a career in law enforcement can be demanding on a family and this pilot will help address affordable childcare and accessibility for those who protect and serve our city.”

Through the course of the pilot, BPD will review the project’s efficiency, its value to members and overall validity as a permanent operation.

“BPD’s Equity Office has worked tirelessly for two years to initiate this pilot program in order to address a systemic issue in law enforcement around childcare accessibility,” said Equity Director Leslie Parker Blyther. “Access to quality and reliable childcare is essential to recruitment and retention and will undoubtedly assist in our efforts to attract more women and parents to serve with the BPD.”

Prior to the development of the pilot program, BPD surveyed members of the department on barriers in childcare and ways the department could meet the unique needs of members so they can continue to keep our communities safer. The pilot plans to address childcare coverage gaps that exist in public safety, with plans to extended to other public safety departments in the city. Once the pilot begins, Baltimore will be one of a handful of jurisdictions in the country to offer childcare support and accessibility to its law enforcement personnel.

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BPD Mission Statement

The Baltimore Police Department is dedicated to upholding the Constitution and enforcing laws in a fair, impartial, and ethical manner. We commit to creating and maintaining a culture of service that builds trust and legitimacy in all communities, values the sanctity of human life, and provides for the safety and well-being of all.