Image courtesy Department of Defense

Information released by the Pentagon recently details what local police departments received military surplus gear through the 1033 Program. The 1033 Program was created during fiscal years 1990 and 1991 under the National Defense Authorization Act, according to the Defense Logistics Agency.

The program authorizes Congress to transfer excess DOD property to federal and state agencies to combat drug activities. Trumbull Police received two utility trucks, a mine-resistant vehicle and 13 5.56 mm rifles through the program. The combined value of all the gear was about $752,000.

In fiscal year 1997 the program was expanded so all law enforcement agencies could participate. Since the inception of the program more than $5.1 billion worth of property has been transferred. Local police departments and other law enforcement agencies can place requisition orders for specific items. The receiving agency is responsible for shipping and handling costs.

The 1033 Program drew more public interest after protests in Ferguson, MO. after Michael Brown was shot and killed by Officer Darren Wilson.

Many Connecticut law enforcement agencies, including state police and local police departments received excess gear from the program. Agencies in Connecticut received a gear with a combined value of more than $13.94 million since the late 1990's.

Items can range from things as simple as a pair of trousers and tourniquets to mine-resistant vehicles and helicopters. Many departments also received an assortment of rifles. Many MRAP vehicles are worth $733,000 and a helicopter obtained by the Stratford Police Department is worth more than $922,000.