Secret Police In Small Michigan Community?

OAKLEY, Mich. (AP) - Oakley village trustees have voted to reverse course and withhold the names of the estimated 100 or more people who serve as regular or reserve police officers in the central Michigan community of 290.

The Saginaw News has sought release of the names. The township board in October granted a state Freedom of Information Act request for the names, but the newly elected board rescinded the decision Tuesday.

The previous board's decision to abolish the police department also was reversed after the election.

Last month, the Michigan Court of Appeals ordered Oakley to release names of donors to a police fund, which is believed to come from reserve officers.

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette's office told the appeals court Tuesday that Oakley's reserve officer program violates state employment laws.