JEFFERSON — In the process of auditing its evidence room policies and procedures, the Jefferson Police Department found some "improprieties" that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation soon will be examining, according to a news release.

The police department is working toward Georgia Police State Certification, which involves standardizing its policies and procedures. Police Chief Joseph Wirthman authorized an audit of the evidence room in January 2008 as part of the process, which "revealed some possible improprieties dating back three or four years," according to the statement.

At that time, Darren Glenn was the department’s police chief.

Wirthman now has submitted a request to the GBI for an investigation of the audit’s findings to determine "if there was any criminal conduct that would be prosecutable."

The GBI investigation should begin sometime next week, said Maj. Gus Backelant of the Jefferson Police Department.

Wirthman was unavailable for comment Thursday.