Law enforcement agencies’ participation in the military surplus equipment program

Abstract

Purpose The police response to the protests in Ferguson, Missouri refocused attention on law enforcement agencies’ participation in the military surplus equipment program, or 1,033 Program. Given the extensive media coverage, particularly regarding the acquisition of military vehicles and weapons, it is important to empirically investigate the 1,033 Program. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Survey data were collected from 1,205 law enforcement regarding 1,033 Program participation and the types of equipment acquired. This study also explores whether significant differences exist by region, agency type, and size. Findings The results demonstrated that while a majority of state and local law enforcement agencies participated in the 1,033 Program, a significant number of agencies did not. Acquisition of military surplus weapons, vehicles, and other types of equipment was not the norm. Significant differences were discerned for overall participation and equipment acquisition based on region, agency type, and size. Research limitations/implications This study does not address other concerns such as how surplus military equipment is used or policies agencies may have to govern that use, which provide avenues for further research to discern best practices. Practical implications Law enforcement agencies do not appear to acquire military vehicles and weapons to the extent that has been dramatized by the media. Originality/value This study contributes empirical data to inform the discussion of law enforcement agencies’ acquisition of military surplus equipment in the USA.

Agency Correlates of Police Militarization: The Case of MRAPs

“…The 1033 program may be used by resource-poor agencies to acquire coveted equipment, including MRAPs (Johnson & Hansen, 2016, p. 800). We therefore expect higher rates of MRAP acquisition among LEAs with smaller budgets.…”

A Conceptualization of Militarization in Domestic Policing

“…A number of scholars have started to explore the contours of the 1033 program in regard to policing. Johnson and Hansen (2016), for example, conducted a survey of law enforcement agencies to evaluate participation in the 1033 program. They found that while a majority (61%) of agencies participated in the program, acquisition of military-like equipment differed geographically and by certain agency characteristics, such as size.…”

Does police size matter? A review of the evidence regarding restructuring police organisations

“…Here, Koepsell and Girrard (1979) argue that consolidation is often used to provide more services or to fix issues around overlap. Johnson (2000) offers more recent examples of successful small town consolidations. However, it is unclear to what extent the merger of such small forces is relevant with regards to significantly larger forces (such as those in the UK) which already have greater capacity.…”