Area residents are invited to participate in the Ypsilanti Police Department's first Volunteer Service Corps Academy.

Volunteers will work in partnership with Ypsilanti police officers during events, parades and foot patrols, allowing the police chief to "maximize the effectiveness of the officers and staff in the community," according to an Ypsilanti Police Department news release.

The new program is in conjunction with the Friends of the Ypsilanti Police Department.

Members of the VSC will wear uniforms and be issued police radios. Volunteers act as additional eyes and ears during special events and report to officers, but do not intervene in incidents.

Throughout the five-week academy, participants will learn about the detective bureau, patrol tactics, defensive tactics and will receive instruction from the Ypsilanti Fire Department, among other things.

Find more information, including a downloadable application, here. Residents also can pick up a paper application at the police department.

A background check will be performed on all applicants. Applicants must be at least 21 years old to be eligible for the academy, according to the release.

Applications will be accepted through Feb. 28. They can be submitted via e-mail to Ypsilanti Police Sgt. Kevin Dorsey at kdorsey@cityofypsilanti.com.