FAIRFIELD TWP. — When the new, centrally located police headquarters opens in February 2002, it will mean faster response times and more services and programs for residents.

        Township officials say among new programs could be a citizens police academy.

        Construction of the station will begin this summer on recently purchased land off Gilmore Road and south of Princeton Road. The project, to cost about $400,000, is being paid for with the 5.9-mill police levy approved in November, providing $1.3 million.

        The estimated 3,000-square-foot facility will include a holding room for suspects, an investigations room and a storage room for confiscated items.

        When the township administration building went up more than 20 years ago, one office was designated as the home of the police department.

        And it has remained that way, even though the department has virtually tripled in size to nine full-time and seven part-time officers.

        “Today, basically that one office still houses all the police officers,” said Police Chief Richard St. John, whose office consists of a cubicle near the trustees' meeting room. “Obviously, the police department has vastly outgrown our present facilities and the need for a new facility is unquestionable.”

        The township's population increased from 9,648 in 1990 to about 15,600 residents, according to Census 2000.

        “As the township continues to grow, the police department will have to grow,” Chief St. John said. “And of course, that will further enhance the need for the new police facility.”

        The chief expects to add several officers — including two full-time ones this year — over two years.

        Fairfield Township Administrator Ron Randolph said Cole & Russell Architects Inc. in Cincinnati is preparing designs.

        The next step will be to raze an abandoned house on the site and prepare the land for construction.

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