AUBURN — Students and instructors in the criminal justice program at Central Maine Community College had the opportunity to observe an official inspection of Troop B of the Maine State Police on Sept. 17.

Chief John Cote and Deputy Chief William Harwood participated, along with Troop B Commander Walter Grzyb. The exercise includes examining uniforms, vehicles and all issued gear.

Established in 1921, the state’s largest police agency has an authorized complement of 341 sworn personnel. Troop B is headquartered in Gray and serves Androscoggin, Cumberland, and Oxford counties.

In addition to Lt. Grzyb, three sergeants and 22 troopers provide law enforcement services in towns that do not have a police department. The troop also works closely with local and county law enforcement throughout the area. Along with the Auburn Police Department, the troop has a substation on the Auburn college campus.

The criminal justice department at CMCC prepares graduates for entry-level positions in law enforcement or for transfer to a baccalaureate program at a four-year college or university. In addition to the associate degree program, which is also offered 100 percent online, the college also offers programs in forensic science, network security/computer forensics, and criminal justice computer forensics. An advanced certificate in police operations is also offered.

Col. John Cote, left, chief of the Maine State Police, speaks to troopers during the official inspection of Troop B at Central Maine Community College in Auburn on Sept. 17.