For men stand in front of a dais. One is wearing a police chief's uniform.
Bellevue Police Chief Jon McClain (l) introduced new officers Johnathan Kohler and Ian Clark, who will be starting training soon. They were welcomed by Mayor Charlie Cleves (r). City attorney David Fessler and council member Jack Ondeck at dais. Photo by Robin Gee | LINK nky contributor

Bellevue Police Chief Jon McClain introduced the department’s social worker and two new police officers at the April 9 city council meeting.

The two officers, Jonathan Kohler and Ian Clark, were sworn in a few weeks ago, and McClain said the meeting gave him an opportunity to introduce them to the community.

“These are our new officers that will be starting the police academy in May for their online portion, and then they’ll actually go down to Richmond in June. They will complete their training and should graduate sometime around mid-October,” the chief said.

A woman and a man in a police chief uniform stand in front of a dais. Behind the dais are people seated and an American and Kentucky state flag, and the seal of the city of Bellevue KY
Nikki Best (l) is the new social worker assigned to the Bellevue and Dayton police departments. She was introduced by Bellevue Police Chief Jon McClain. Behind them, left to right, is council member Steve Guidugli, City Clerk Lindy Jenkins, city attorney David Fessler and council member Jack Ondeck. Photo by Robin Gee | LINK nky contributor
 

McClain then introduced Nikki Best, the new police social worker, who comes to the department through a partnership with Campbell County using funds from the state opioid settlement. Bellevue and Dayton police departments share her services.

When asked how the program works, Best said she splits her days between the two departments. Each day, she spends the morning in one city and the afternoon in the other.

McClain said having a social worker on board has already proven helpful to the department. Recently, he said, Best was able to help with a resident who had been living under a porch. She was able to work with him and get him the resources and help he needed.

“I just want to say welcome,” said council member Shauna Kruse. “Your services are going to really provide a solution in the gap between regular police activity and what the residents need sometimes. There’s that social gap in between, so I really welcome this position. Thank you.”