In a small town, public service often means wearing many hats, showing up with heart, and meeting people where they are—sometimes literally. For Cynthiana’s police department social worker, Caity Coffey, this past year has been just that: a blend of crisis response, quiet daily check-ins, barrier-breaking teamwork, and deep community connection.
Brought on as part of a crisis intervention initiative, Coffey's role bridges the gap between law enforcement and those experiencing mental health challenges, addiction, homelessness, or other social needs. But what makes her story especially powerful is not just what she does—it’s how she does it, with empathy, determination, and the loveliest personality.
In the conversation below, Coffey reflects on her first year in the position, sharing what’s surprised her, what’s challenged her, and what’s given her hope. From pranks at the precinct to hospital runs, from daily “just checking in” phone calls to long-term goals for systemic change, her answers paint a picture of someone who is not only transforming lives, but redefining what public safety looks like in Cynthiana.
What drew you to social work in a law enforcement setting, and how did you know this role was right for you?
“My Bachelor's degree is in psychology and I had a close family friend who was a supervisor in the Department of Health and Human Resources for Child Protective Services in West Virginia.” She recommended trying it “and I did. I tried, and working for CPS as your first job in Social Work is one of the hardest things but was also the biggest thing that made me realize that this is what I want to do with my life.”
What surprised you most about working within a police department?
“The culture here. Law enforcement culture is so interesting to me. And I say this with the most respect for these guys- they’re a bunch of dudes! In the ‘dude-est’ sense of the term! I can see them here pulling pranks and stuff but when we’re out on a call they are the most respectful and knowledgeable in their field.”
In what ways have you seen your role help bridge gaps between the police department and the community?
“I feel that people in general are more comfortable coming up to the police department than they may have been before…They feel like to serve and protect is exactly what we mean, especially with our crisis response unit that we have. They realize we don’t want to take people to jail, (the community felt) that’s our goal. But no, we get paid to help.”
Tell us about a challenge you faced this year and how it helped shape your approach going forward.
“We don’t have a transportation system around here…It’s a big barrier to people who are struggling with addiction or have mental health problems- they may not have the transportation to get to a weekly appointment, so a lot of the time you see them up at the emergency department. Part of my role is I can transport, but it is limited. I can transport for hospitalization for mental health…but I can’t be out all day taking people to appointments.” There are also safety concerns to consider. It’s a balance.
What’s something about your day-to-day work that the average person might not expect?
“Just about daily I have people call because they are lonely or because they have made a relationship with me and they call to ‘check in on me’ but really they want me to check in on them. They ask me how I am today and I respond with ‘I’m good, but how are YOU today?’. Just about every day I have somebody call, and people don’t realize that it’s stuff like that that keeps these people from calling EMS just because they want to be checked on.”
In what ways have you grown personally or professionally during your first year on the job?
“Assistant Chief and Chief have been really good about reminding me to pace myself…I’ve gotten to prioritize myself a lot. I was on the cusp of getting burnt out of Social Work but this job has made me love it all over again.”
How do you define success in a role like yours—and what does a “good day” look like?
“Success is if we change one life. If we have diverted one person from incarceration. If we have helped one person realize their life is worth living. That’s success for us.”
How do you collaborate with officers during calls or follow-up situations?
“So say we get a call right now and we have a subject that is suicidal. The officers will go out, make sure the scene is safe and the person doesn’t have a weapon. Usually I’m right on their tails or, if it’s in a parking lot area, I’ll wait in the car. When they tell me it’s safe to come, I’ll go. Then we’ll talk…are they suicidal? Do they need hospitalization? Do they need immediate attention right now? Or did something happen and there was a trigger… and sometimes it’s just sitting down and having those conversations. Depending on what it looks like from there I (or the police) will take them to a hospital.”
What kind of support have you received from the Cynthiana Police Department and city leadership?
“With this being a grant funded position, I went into this thinking this is for 3 years and I don’t want to convince myself otherwise. When I came in Lourena Judy was the Police Commissioner and James Smith was the Mayor, and from the beginning they both supported me. And now we have Mayor Dailey and Police Commissioner Taylor Peoples and they still see the benefit of what we are doing…I feel very strongly that they'll want to continue the position.”
If you could wave a magic wand and solve one recurring issue you see in the community, what would it be?
“Transportation. Barriers for transportation. I will shout out HMH for their new caravan because they go and pick people up for their medical appointments.”
What’s your favorite hidden gem in Cynthiana to recharge or find peace after a long day?
“I love the bookstore! I also love anywhere I can go to get something fresh!”
What’s next for you in this role—any new programs, goals, or dreams for year two?
“For me personally, in my professional life, I graduate on Saturday with my Masters. Part of State law, KRS, requires you to have your license if you work on Social Work. I am due in August. My goal is to get my certified social work license before August.”
As she steps into her second year with the department—earning her Master’s degree and preparing for licensure—her vision remains clear: build trust, meet people with dignity, and never underestimate the power of a single conversation. Cynthiana is lucky to have her voice, her heart, and her unwavering belief that change is possible, one life at a time.