AUBURN – A motivated group of local youth explored careers in criminal justice at the Junior Police Academy held recently at Central Maine Community College.

Part of the Camp to College summer program, the comprehensive camp is the only one of its kind in Maine, according to Auburn Police Officer Tom Poulin, who has taught at the camp since its inception six years ago.

The Junior Police Academy enrolls youngsters ages 10 to 14 who are interested in careers in criminal justice.

Summer Camp Director Dave Gonyea, who also serves as director of residential life, athletics and security at the college, said the camp teaches youth about responsibility, community service and the criminal justice system, especially police work.

Poulin said that as a result of this experience, the campers have a more realistic understanding of criminal justice careers. Many of the youth express genuine interest in becoming police officers, lawyers or judges.

The campers visited the 911 call center and the Auburn Police Station and learned about polygraph, fingerprinting and evidence gathering. They visited the LifeFlight of Maine helicopter and received a demonstration from a local dive team and a game warden.

They also met with District Court Judge Paul Cote and defense attorney Leonard Sharon.

Auburn Police Officer Scotty Corey and Inca, a police dog, spent an afternoon on the campus. Campers had a chance to meet Inca, a 2-year-old German shepherd, and to join in a search exercise. The camp culminated in a cookout prepared by the law enforcement staff.

In addition to Poulin and Corey, the camp teaching team included Auburn Lt. Kevin Mulherin and Officers Laurie Woodhead and Bruce Bouchard.

They plan to offer the camp again next summer.