FAIRFIELD — Twenty people have a better understanding of the city police force after completing a 10-week Citizen Police Academy program, said Lt. Ken Colburn, police spokesman.

        Participants, who graduated Tuesday in a ceremony at the No. 2 Fire Station on Dixie Highway, learned more about how officers decide to use force and about their battle against drug dealers, Lt. Colburn said.

        “Our citizens have the opportunity to get the officers' perspective on the many aspects of the job,” he said.

        The graduates are: Mike Adams, Cindy Allen, Vicki Barnett, Joe Bidleman, John Doran, Ken Kirsch, Bob Kramer, Catherine Latscha, Don MacKinnon, Bill Madaffari, Carole McKee, Lori Phalon, Katrinka Stone, Pat Sullivan, Ray Sullivan, Dan Tomo, Bob Weeden, Margaret Wesley, Dave Wickemeier and Sheila Williams.

        The group was the city's eighth class to graduate from the twice-yearly Fairfield program, which has become increasingly popular since its inception in September 1997, Lt. Colburn said.

        Although Fairfield is one of a number of Greater Cincinnati communities with citizen police academies, several of the other programs charge fees. Fairfield's is free and will again being offered for 10 Tuesdays beginning Sept. 11, Lt. Colburn said.

        “Each class gets better, based on the recommendations of the students. We run a loose structure that allows frequent comments and discussions rather than lengthy lectures,” Lt. Colburn said.

        About a dozen slots will be available for the September class, Lt. Colburn said.

        Information: Lt. Colburn at 867-6030, Ext. 123.

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