The federal government's 1033 program allows law enforcement agencies to acquire special vehicles such as an amphibious LAV , Humvee, MRAP, patrol boat, helicopter or even a landing craft for specialized missions. The agencies acquire the vehicles via the federal Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO). Photos are courtesy of LESO.
Military Surplus Vehicles for LE
This 28-foot M2 military bridge boat was used by the Gretna (La.) Police Department during the BP oil spill in 2010.
The Cobb County (Ga.) Police Department acquired a Cadillac Gage Textron LAV-300 amphibious light-armored vehicle.
Law enforcement agencies use the Bell UH-1H to transport personnel into remote sites. The craft seats up to 10, and includes a winch to lift personnel from the ground.
Another 15-foot Zodiac deployed by the Nashville PD, an active participant in the 1033 program.
To use a Bell OH-58 Kiowa, agencies must purchase avionics equipment, a spotlight, FLIR thermal imager and GPS/mapping program. The helicopters usually arrive with web seating, which must be upgraded for aero officers.
The Nashville (Tenn.) PD uses this bridge-erecting boat to patrol waterways, perform search-and-rescue, and transport its dive team.
The Richland County (S.C.) Sheriff's Department acquired "The Peacemaker," an armored personnel carrier.
The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department uses a SH-3H Sikorsky for search-and-rescue operations. The helicopter was used to transport Michael Jackson during the pop singer's memorial.
This Volvo bobtail truck arrives at a central receiving area to pick up and transport materials and equipment to substations.
The Dale County (Ala.) Sheriff's Office acquired an armored vehicle for tactical response.
This 15-foot inflatable F470 Zodiac boat is a rigid-hull inflatable with a canopy, tracking beacon and public address system to engage intoxicated revelers on the lake.
The Cabell County (W.Va.) Sheriff's Office acquired a Humvee, which is formally known as a HMMWV (high mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicle) via the 1033 program.
The King Air C12 is a twin-turbo-prop aircraft used to transport command staff and other personnel. It can also be enlisted for prisoner transport or surveillance.
The Bell OH-58 Kiowa is the military version of the company's Jet Ranger helicopter. Law enforcement agencies that acquire helicopters must spend much more to convert them for use because they arrive essentially stripped.
The agency that acquired this Volvo 18-wheel semi-truck and trailer uses the rig to collect 1033 equipment from around the country and deliver to its jurisdiction and to surrounding agencies. tt
The Jefferson County (Colo.) Sheriff's Office also acquired a UH-1H via the program.
This LCM8 landing craft can be ideal for a flooding disaster to move first responders to areas that become inaccessible during an emergency.
This Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) armored vehicle is used by Homeland Security's Special Response Team. The 14-ton armored truck is much more protective of crew than a HMMWV if hit with an explosive device.
About 100 configurations of HMMWV are available to law enforcement from the military.