Funded by federal grant, the position will help improve outcomes for victims and bridge the gap between the department and the community
SOMERSET, KENTUCKY (January 20, 2026) — The Somerset Police Department has announced the creation of a new Victim Support Specialist position, marking the first time such a role has ever been offered within the department.
A position similar to that of a social worker, the Victim Support Specialist will work alongside Somerset Police officers to respond to non-criminal, crisis-related, and trauma-involved calls for service. The role is designed to provide immediate support, crisis intervention, victim advocacy, and connections to community resources — helping ensure individuals and families receive the care they need while allowing officers to focus on law enforcement duties.
Funded through a federal Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program grant, Somerset Police Chief Josh Wesley said the position reflects the department’s continued commitment to innovative, trauma-informed approaches to public safety and community well-being.
“This position strengthens our ability to meet people where they are during some of the most difficult moments of their lives,” Wesley said. “By integrating a trained victim’s advocate into our response model, we are improving outcomes for victims, individuals experiencing mental health crises, and our officers alike.”
Key responsibilities of the position include assisting with mental health crises and victim needs, conducting outreach to individuals dealing with mental illness or addiction, supporting de-escalation and trauma-informed policing practices, providing resource referrals, and strengthening relationships with community partners.
Positions like these are being added to law enforcement offices across the Commonwealth with support from state and federal funding. Wesley said his team received helpful feedback and encouragement from the Elizabethtown Police Department, which added a similar position in 2023 and has seen great success in bridging the gap between the department and the community.
“Our department excels at getting justice, but we can always improve in restoration — and that’s where this position is critical,” Wesley said. “By having someone who can be there for children in crisis situations, who can build the relationship between SPD and our non-profits so that victims can receive the support they need, it is going to be transformational for our department.”
Somerset Mayor Alan Keck said this position represents a meaningful step forward in serving the community.
“By placing this type of trained professional alongside our officers, we are strengthening the bridge between the Somerset Police Department and the people it serves,” Keck said. “It is another legitimate step forward in the continued growth and evolution of our police department.”
How to Apply
Applicants should have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or a related field. Experience in crisis intervention, victim services, or behavioral health is preferred.
The application deadline is Feb. 2, 2026. Applications are available online through the City of Somerset’s Human Resources Department at: https://www.cityofsomerset.com/human-resources/
Completed applications may be submitted:
By email: somersetpd@somersetpd.com or dsmith@cityofsomerset.com
In person: Somerset Police Department, 306 E. Mt. Vernon Street, Somerset, KY 42501
For more information, contact the Somerset Police Department at somersetpd@somersetpd.com or the City of Somerset Human Resources Director Devan Smith at dsmith@cityofsomerset.com.