The first class of civilian police officers meant to replace military guards at Camp Lejeune is graduating.

The class of 22 men graduates Friday from the East Coast Regional Marine Corps Police Academy. The ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. at the officers' club.

The Marine Corps Police Academy was established to train civilian police officers to replace military officers aboard bases in the United States. Those civilian officers free up Marines to deploy overseas. The nine-week academy provides a wide range of law enforcement training.

After graduation, the civilians will patrol Camp Lejeune and guard the gates.