FAIRFIELD TWP. - A retired Fairfield police officer will begin Fairfield Township's first citizens' police academy.

Mike Oler has been hired on a part-time basis as the department's crime prevention specialist. He will also handle public relations duties as needed, said Police Chief Richard St. John.

"We wanted to hire a civilian with prior police experience to handle these duties" so officers can concentrate on police work, St. John said.

Oler will establish a citizens' police academy similar to the program he ran in Fairfield.

St. John outlined two other projects for Oler: First, reorganizing the neighborhood watch program.

Second, St. John wants Oler to meet with businesses to update records on companies' alarm systems and emergency contacts.

Sue Kiesewetter