In an attempt to engage the community more, the Oak Harbor Police Department is relying on some new techniques and old ideas.

Chief Ed Green, who took the job last year, created the Community Service Team a few months ago. The name of the new unit within the police department is self-descriptive: It’s about serving the community.

Green said he quickly realized after taking the job that the department had issues.

“There was a disconnect between the department and the community,” he said.

“It was really obvious.”

Green said he set out to correct the problem, using the Mount Vernon Police Department’s successful community program as a model.

The chief appointed Mike Bailey, an experienced officer and former police detective, to head the new unit.

The school resources officer, the animal control officer, the traffic officer, the reserve officers and police department volunteers all work under Bailey.

“It’s the sum of what this division is doing. Developing partnerships in the community,” he said. “It’s already paying dividends.”

Police officer Jennifer Yzaguirre, an eight-year member of the force who is gifted at public speaking, accepted a pay cut to become the first community service officer. Much of her work is focused on old-fashioned but effective, small-town policing.

Yzaguirre meets with citizen groups, works with volunteers and stops to talk with folks while walking a beat.

“I’m able to meet with merchants and community members on a more personal level and help them with their needs,” she said.

In addition, Yzaguirre is in charge of the department’s social media efforts. She maintains the Facebook page, which has already helped investigators identify two suspects. She’s working with SpotCrime; it’s a website that uploads 911 reports and allows residents to see where crimes have occurred with the tap of a smart phone.

She’s also helping to create short videos about local law enforcement issues to be broadcast on channel 10.

Yzaguirre said she’s surprised at just how busy the new job keeps her. As word gets out about her new job, more and more people seek her help.

One of her more traditional duties is helping neighborhoods set up block watch programs, which are already becoming popular. Yzaguirre recently spoke at an apartment complex near the police department. She gave a Powerpoint presentation with statistics about crime in the area and tips on how to keep safe, what to watch out for, how to avoid being defrauded and when to call the police.

“It’s not being a nosey neighbor,” she said. “It’s about knowing what’s going on in your neighborhood.”

After her presentation, the residents unloaded on Yzaguirre about their problems, including a rude boy who cuts through the complex.

Yzaguirre also delivers tailor-made presentations to other groups, such as a “how to prevent shoplifting” to downtown merchants.

Because the number had dwindled over the past year, Yzaguirre said she’s working to increase the number of volunteers within the police department. She has 10 now and is hoping for 50 volunteers by year’s end.

Volunteers can’t arrest bad guys, but there’s a myriad other jobs for them.

Yzaguirre said she wants to reenergize a program called Citizens On Patrol, in which volunteers drive around in an old cop car and report suspicious activities.

Yzaguirre explained that the entire volunteer program is now called Citizen Volunteers.

Later this year, the Community Service Team plans to create a Citizen Academy to educate residents about what Oak Harbor police really do.

“People should have the opportunity to have a look inside this building,” Bailey said.

“It shouldn’t be a mystery.”