Peer Review was developed as a process to:

1. assess the comparative effectiveness of task forces in terms of their productivity and impact on drug trafficking in their respective areas,
2. ensure their use of sound management practices, policies, and procedures,
3. ensure compliance with grant requirements.

The goals of Peer Review are to stimulate a greater focus on accountability and risk management by supervisors, managers, and executives, and to obtain accurate data to support future funding decisions.

JAG funded task forces share a critical element of not only the Washington State Drug Enforcement Strategy, but of the national strategy. Ultimately, Peer Review is intended to help task forces become more effective and to remain free from corruption.
Peer Review teams consist of executives, managers, supervisors, and administrative staff from other task forces, the Washington State Patrol, and the Northwest HIDTA. A representative from the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development coordinates their efforts as the JAG State Administering Agency.

Standards applied to this process are derived from the “Critical Elements of Success for Multijurisdictional Task Forces“, published by the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Assistance, and those best practices in drug task force management and operations as identified by the BJA Center for Task Force Training. Other Sources were the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Basic Agent Training Manual, Washington State Patrol Narcotics Section Manual, and the California Bureau of Narcotics Task Force Manual.