Austin has some of the best youth police explorers in the state.

Two Austin Police Explorers teams competed at the Duluth Explorer Conference this month. The teams placed first and second in the first aid competition, second in traffic accident investigation and third in crime scene search, according to post advisor Ross Johnson.

The police explorers are a group of 14- to 20-year-olds who are interested in careers in law enforcement. Johnson said the Austin explorers are accepting applications for more youth interested in becoming police officers.

“I would have never known how to be a police officer if it wasn’t for explorers,” Johnson said. “It’s exposure to a career field.”

Police Captain Dave McKichan said graduates of the Austin Police Explorers have gone on to work for the Minneapolis Police Department, Mower County Sheriff’s Office and more.

Those who participated in this year’s explorer conference were ranked against about 20 other agencies.

Anyone interested in the program can email APDPoliceExplorers@gmail.com.