The Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO) Program allows all federal, state and local agencies whose officers have arrest and apprehension authority to receive surplus Department of Defense (DoD) personal property for any bona fide law enforcement purpose. Equipment transferred under this program must have a “direct” application and use in the agency’s arrest and apprehension mission.

• Training
• Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO) [For a list of accountable property, click on High Visibility Property.]
• Application for Participation
• State Plan of Operation

Items from winter clothing, cameras, firearms, to boots and vehicles can be requisitioned through this program. The only costs to the agencies are shipping and any demilitarization costs required by the Law Enforcement Support Office Program.

Many valuable items have been shipped to law enforcement agencies statewide. Many departments have received surplus .38 Caliber and .45 caliber pistols, as well as M-16s and M-14s. Digital imaging cameras have been available from the 1033 Program, plus vehicles and aircraft. Other valuable items obtained include winter clothing, boots, and tactical load vests.

Property may be transferred only if:

• The property is drawn from existing DoD stocks.
• The agency accepts the property on an “as is” basis.
• The transfer is made without the expenditure of any funds available to DoD for the procurement of defense equipment.
• All costs incurred after the property transfer are borne or reimbursed by the receiving agency.

Property may not:

• be obtained for the purpose of sale, lease, rent, exchange or barter, to secure a loan or to otherwise supplement normal agency budgets.
• be converted to personal use or in any way bring personal benefit to any individual(s), outside of official duties. Its sole purpose is for official law enforcement activities. Violations can result in federal criminal prosecutions.
• be used for speculative/possible future use.

Property must be placed into use within one year of receipt and utilized for a minimum of one year unless the property condition renders it unusable. Aircraft must be in service for a minimum of five years.

The State of Montana, Department of Justice Highway Patrol Division assumes no liability for any damages or injury resulting from use or misuse of acquired surplus property.

All participating agencies: Your annual inventory of LESO (1033) property starts July 1, 2021