QUINCY - The Quincy Police Department agreed to a review program run through the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.

The city council approved up to $6,000 for the Loaned Executive Management Assistance Program review. The review examines 20 major functions of police departments that are outlined in the association's accreditation program.

"(The) goal is to provide a critical review of the organization, of the police department, through the eyes of peer professionals," Police Chief Richard Ackerman said. "The resulting report would serve as a guide to identify areas in need of strengthening and highlight positive or innovative programs existing within the agency."

Ackerman said volunteer law enforcement professionals conduct the review, and the size of the teams depend on the scope of the review and the size of the agency.

"This is also a step in the right direction for accreditation for the police department, which raises the bar," he said. "The program is used as a reference in an effort to get agencies in line with industry best practices and standards."

The review starts in about three to six months, since three people need to schedule time to come to Quincy, Ackerman said.

"We're looking at within three months, four months, we'll get started," he said. "Then within a few months after that we'll get the final report, which will be presented to the city council for their review."