When Lt. Nicole Vasey went back to the office following maternity leave, she brought her young sons with her not just once, but twice. Both boys participated in the Chandler Police Department’s Baby at Work program.
“The purpose of this program is for you to bond and have that time with your child while still maintaining whatever position you have within the police department,” Lt. Vasey said.
The program allows new parents to bring their babies to the office between six weeks and six months of age. In Lt. Vasey’s case, she brought Jaddox in September of 2023. Her second son, Brenner, finished his time at the office in February of 2026.
“It’s pretty cool to be able to look back and see the photos of both of my kids at work with me,” Lt. Vasey said.
Department employees can bring their babies as long as the work environment is appropriate. Lt. Vasey turned her office into a nursery with a playpen, swing and refrigerator.
There is a dedicated baby room for employees who don’t have their own office. Inside, there’s a desk, crib, rocker and more working parent essentials.
“They have a door, they have privacy, where they can just have their own space,” Lt. Vasey said.
The program is open to both mothers and fathers. Lt. Vasey led the department’s internal affairs unit, and said her coworkers helped her manage both her mom and work duties.
“I have awesome coworkers who have no problem taking the baby for a meeting or going for a walk and grabbing coffee and taking the little one,” Lt. Vasey said.
Department leadership strongly supports the family-oriented program.
“Our Baby at Work program reflects our family-oriented values within the Chandler Police Department,” Chief Bryan Chapman said. “It creates a bridge between home and duty, while building a stronger, healthier department.”
Brenner is the 10th baby to participate, a milestone highlighting the growing popularity of the initiative within Chandler PD.
“What a better morale booster and a way to show that you truly care about our families by allowing us to bring our newborns to work,” Lt. Vasey said.
Babies at a police department, aiming to provide greater work-life balance and employee wellness, so new parents can remain connected to their careers and children.