WATERVILLE — The ranks of the Maine State Police have increased by 33 state troopers after graduation ceremonies in Waterville from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. The troopers received their badges last week after 28 weeks of study and training, and they bring to 345 the number of personnel in the state police.

In his graduation address, Gov. Angus King said 12 new troopers were authorized by the last session of the Legislature, and those new positions are part of this graduating class.

Eight of the 33 troopers will be assigned to interstate patrol as the department increases its presence on I-95, said Public Safety Commissioner Michael Kelly.

Col. Malcolm T. Dow said that most of the new troopers have law enforcement experience and the majority have some college background. He also noted that 147 members of the state police, or 42 percent, have been hired in the past five years, mostly filling vacancies left by retirements.

The troopers studied such topics as criminal and motor vehicle law, accident investigation, domestic violence, sexual assault, firearms, crime scene processing, commercial vehicle enforcement and emergency vehicle operation.

They will begin their new assignments April 12 and will be assigned to a senior trooper for three months of field training. The state police will begin accepting applications in May for the next academy, and Dow anticipates about 20 openings for the next class, starting early next year. For information, call 624-7056.