Mohegan Tribal Police, Montville Police Received Excess Military Gear

Written By Rich Scinto (Patch Staff)

The Pentagon recently released details about 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.

Mohegan Tribal Police received:

• Eight 5.56 mm rifles
• Date of Receipt: Feb. 28, 2008

The Montville Police Department received:

• Two 7.62 mm rifles
• Date of Receipt: Sept. 25, 2007

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.

Searchable database instructions: To search for a specific department, go to the agency name tab, uncheck “all” and type in the department’s name. The database is at the bottom of this article.

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.

Senator Richard Blumenthal criticized the lack of accountability and proper training for use of decommissioned military equipment through the 1033 and other programs at a September roundtable discussion.

Senator Chris Murphy said he can see why the program can be beneficial to local police departments at the discussion. An MRAP may not be a perfect fit for a small department, but it’s better than nothing when it comes to vehicles that can handle tough terrain and debris.

Representatives from local police department officials at the roundtable discussion said it comes down more to proper use and training than possession.

Image courtesy of Department of Defense