MYRTLE BEACH — Myrtle Beach police are looking for retired law enforcement officers to become members of their volunteer cold case review team, officials said Tuesday.

“It’s a concept to bring in a fresh set of eyes, a different perspective, and involve the community in the process,” Myrtle Beach police Capt. David Knipes said. “If we have a deep pool of retired professionals to assist us that will certainly help.”

Police officials said they want retired officers with investigation experience to volunteer their time to work alongside Myrtle Beach detectives in reviewing cases “where leads have dwindled and are at a standstill.”

“Anything of a violent perspective that is still open such as rapes, robbers or murders will be higher priority cases and will be the ones to be opened first,” Knipes said.

Because detectives are tasked with high case loads, the volunteer investigators would help provide a “fresh set of eyes to the unsolved cases,” Knipes said.

It was unclear Tuesday how many unsolved or cold cases would be presented to the volunteer team.

Community members interested in volunteering must meet several criteria, Knipes said.

That includes being a retired law enforcement officer with at least three years of investigative experience and violent crime investigative experience is preferred; willingness to give their time; willing to meet at least monthly and be prepared to work as part of a team. Volunteers also will undergo a background check and oral interview.

No field work will be required and the volunteers will not have any law enforcement authority. The team will meet at the Myrtle Beach Police Department Annex at 3340 Mustang St., in Myrtle Beach, and will be under the direct control of the captain of the investigative division or another designee.

To volunteer, submit an application to the investigations captain by fax at 918-1377 or in person or via mail at 1101 N. Oak St., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.

Contact TONYA ROOT at 444-1723 or follow her at Twitter.com/tonyaroot.