There has been a lot of discussion by politicians and the media on state and local law enforcement agencies receiving surplus equipment from the Department of Defense through their 1033 program. Do you believe it is appropriate and/or necessary for local and state law enforcement agencies to acquire equipment, at little or no cost, from the Department of Defense, i.e., helicopters, rifles, body armor, helmets, communication systems, night vision, computers, printers, four-wheel drive vehicles, first aid supplies, etc.? Why or why not? As the chief executive of a law enforcement agency, would you take advantage of this program? Why or why not?

I do believe that it is appropriate to take advantage of the surplus equipment. Every agency has its own needs and would require different items, but they all have needs. Even smaller agencies need appropriate first aid supplies and body armor. Some of your more rural areas need vehicles that can perform rescues in difficult to reach areas or make tactical approaches in certain situations. Larger agencies could make use of riot gear, additional computer equipment and similar materials.

I would absolutely take advantage of this program. The 1033 program could help the agency acquire equipment that may not be easily justified to a city or county government during budget time. It seems that this may be a way to gather needed equipment without the same red tape you would normally have to go through. I would be able to focus on man power and benefits for each officer when it comes to the annual budget, but not have to hold funds aside for needed equipment.

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As a current policeman, I have to say that I am a huge fan of the 1033 program. Police departments are in a constant state of change while trudging through today's society. Back in earlier years of policing, I would say that it might not have been necessary to take advantage of a program such as this one. With the way the world is now, I think a Chief would be insane not to take advantage of a program like this. I personally don't know if the police department I work for uses this program, but I can say that we are very short on supplies. We are so far behind on getting our Officers vests and proper equipment. It is very hard to go before a city counsel and say that you need a helicopter or night vision. With the 1033 program you don't have to convince anyone, you simply just get what you need. If I were a Chief I would jump at the chance to take advantage of a great program like this one.

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