Highland Heights City Council voted at their Dec. 6 meeting to hire a full-time social worker to work in tandem with the police department.
Social worker Angie Weinel previously worked jointly for the city’s police department and the Campbell County Police Department.
Police social work is relatively new to Northern Kentucky. The City of Alexandria’s program started several years ago and was one of the first in the Commonwealth.
As the police social worker, Weinel will act as a liaison between the police department and the community by connecting people to resources.
“I help guide them to that next resource to make sure that they’re able to get that or whatever they need so that they don’t have to turn to law enforcement if it’s not a criminal matter,” Weinel said.
Highland Heights Mayor Greg Meyers said it was necessary to have a social worker on staff for the city, and Weinel’s work thus far has been great.
The city is using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to help pay for the position because the funds can be used for government services. The city council approved up to $78,000 for the job.
