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'We just want to do something outside of the box': Bardstown Police welcome therapy dog, social service worker to force

Since the fall, the department has hired a social service specialist and a therapy service dog.

BARDSTOWN, Ky. — Signaling its willingness to lead the "shift in new policing," the Bardstown Police Department is growing its social service wing.

Since the fall, the department has hired a social service specialist and a therapy service dog.

“We really are venturing out into a new kind of unchartered territory for law enforcement,” Bardstown Police Chief Kim Kraeszig said. “Law enforcement [is] used to doing the same things the same ways. We just want to do something outside of the box.”

In recent years, police departments in Jeffersontown, Hodgenville and elsewhere have expanded their social service departments. Responsibilities go beyond the scope of typical police work.

"I would love to see it grow," Olivia Raley, the newly-hired social services specialist at Bardstown police, said. "We've seen very wonderful numbers, just in the couple of months I've been here. I would love to see other departments try this new avenue."

Since joining BPD in September 2023, Raley has provided eight people with food assistance, referred 25 people to therapy and helped connect 42 people experiencing houselessness with shelter.

"There are people that often fall through the social services cracks," Kraeszig said. "And [Olivia] is here to make sure that that's not happening."

Raley responds to calls regarding domestic violence, neglect, abuse, child abuse and other crimes in the realm of social services.

"Now, instead of putting a Band-Aid on the problem," Raley said, "We're actually able to connect people to the help that they need, and that they want."

Raley is also the owner of the department's newest addition Maverick, a certified therapy dog who joined Bardstown Police two weeks ago. 

Credit: WHAS-TV
Raley said she saved Maverick from a "bad situation" about three years ago. The husky now uses his own experience to help ease the burden of others'.

His arrival makes BPD only the fourth police department across the Commonwealth to offer therapy dog services.

"[Maverick] just lightens the mood. He brings light to a very crisis-oriented position," Raley said. "He gets to make [police] feel more comfortable and more at ease when they go to work."

Kraeszig said he's been a welcomed addition.

"He doesn't distinguish between victims that are in crisis or law enforcement that are having stressful days," Kraeszig said. "Law enforcement officers see things, just horrific things, that a normal citizen may never see in a lifetime, so his presence is a big benefit."

Exciting News Bardstown! We are welcoming another new face to our department and this one comes with exceptionally...

Posted by Bardstown Police Department on Wednesday, November 29, 2023

In his hiring announcement, posted to Facebook, a BPD official said Maverick has assisted Raley with the St. Vincent DePaul’s Domestic Violence Program and in the de-escalation of multiple individuals during crisis interventions.

"[Maverick] is very important. He will be the shift in policing like I am," Raley said. "So far we've seen a really positive outcome. Everybody that he's encountered thus far has [had] a really positive attitude towards him."

Raley said the department's investment in social work is part of a broader shift in policing everywhere.

"I think is a really positive thing for people to see law enforcement and myself being partnered rather than separate entities," she said. "Now we get to be a united front, and try to solve the problem of houselessness, addiction and other things like that together."

If you or someone you know are seeking Bardstown Police social service resources, you can call the 24/7 Non Emergency Nelson County Dispatch line at (502 348-3211 or visit the department in-person during regular office hours.

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