Overview
 The 1033 program originated in 1993 with a focus of providing surplus items to law enforcement agencies for use in counterdrug investigations and activities. In 1997, new guidelines were instituted allowing all law enforcement agencies to obtain property for an bona fide law enforcement need. All transferred surplus items must have a "direct" application to the law enforcement agency's arrest and apprehension mission.
The 1033 Surplus Equipment Program allows Minnesota's law enforcement agencies to obtain free excess military weapons, vehicles, and other equipment: Over $25,000,000 has been given to Minnesota LEA's to date. State agencies ranging from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), Department of, to the Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) Enforcement Division, along with 85 county sheriff's offices and approximately 325 local police agencies are registered as participating members.
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How It Works
Minnesota law enforcement agencies presently can travel to any Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office (DRMO) to "shop" for surplus equipment and vehicles, but the closest offices are in Duluth, MN, Sparta, WI or Minot, ND. The Internet can now be used for on-line "shopping" for surplus items virtually around the world at countless Department of Defense surplus offices.
 The law enforcement agency receives the property for free, paying only for shipping costs if applicable. In Minnesota, this program runs independently of the Department of Administration's, "State & Federal Surplus Property Program" which is located in New Brighton, MN. The National Guard's program is unlike this program which adds a surcharge to each item.
In order to use this program and to be officially enrolled, agencies must complete the following documents, and fax or mail them to the State Counterdrug Coordinator (click on the "Contact Us" link below for our contact information).
1. The LEA Datasheet. This document provides basic information about your department and lists points of contacts along with who is allowed to screen at the DRMO. This needs to be updated when you have any major changes in your information.
2. Memorandum of Agreement. This document needs to be down loaded, signed by the agency head, and only the signature page needs to be faxed or sent back to the Counterdrug Office.
3. Mission Statement. This is a copy of the department's mission statement. It must state that you have the authority to arrest and apprehend criminals.
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Weapons
 Under section 1033 or the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 1997, the Secretary of Defense may transfer to Federal and State agencies personal property of the Department of Defense, including weapons, that the Secretary determines is suitable for use by the agencies in law enforcement activities. Agencies in law enforcement activities are defined as government agencies whose primary function is the enforcement of applicable Federal, State and Local laws and whose compensated law enforcement officers have powers of arrest and apprehension.
Acquiring weapons through the 1033 Program is like getting a indefinite loan from DoD; you can keep them as long as you like, but when you no longer want or need them, they must be passed to another LEA or returned to the federal government. more...
The types of weapons available are:
Note: Currently agencies can request M-16s at a rate of 20%, M-14s at a rate of 20%, Model 1911 .45 caliber pistols are available at 100% and shotguns are available at 20% of their full time licensed officers, while supplies last. Use the sample letter as a template for requesting weapons.
The letter must be faxed or sent to the Counterdrug Program. Once it is approved at the state level the request will be forwarded to LESO for action. A request approved at the State level is no guarantee that the requesting agency will receive the weapons being requested. The State Coordinator will contact agencies approved to receive weapons. Questions regarding this application should be directed to the Counterdrug office.
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Step by Step
Once you are enrolled in the program you may begin to obtain surplus property. The steps listed below will take you through the process.
1. Screening. Screening property means to “search” for property. LEAs can screen property electronically by using the DRMS web server. Customers screening electronically should verify asset availability status with the holding Defense Reutilization Marketing Office (DRMO) telephonically to ensure the asset is still at the DRMO and that item(s) meet the customer’s requirement. For step by step instructions on how to screen on-line click here.
a. Law enforcement agencies (LEA) can physically screen at the DRMO. LEAs should coordinate with the DRMO to schedule at appointment to screen. You will have to use the computer provided by the DRMO to go online and reserve items through the DRMS web site. You can print out the step by step instructions from above to assist you in the process.
2. Pick-up Property. LESO will approve or disapprove the electronic request. If approved, LESO will complete the transfer document, DD Form 1348-1A and send it to the DRMO. Once the DRMO receives the DD Form 1348-1A, they will contact the requesting LEA. The LEA will arrange to pick up or have the items shipped (the DRMO will not ship COD, they do prefer to set up a FEDEX or UPS account). The LEA will maintain all documentation until the property is turned in, disposed of, or transferred.
3. Follow-up. The LEA will fax or send a copy of the signed and legible DD Form 1348-1A to the State Coordinator the following business day after the property is picked up.
Questions regarding these procedures should be addressed to the State Counterdrug Operations Sergeant at (651) 268-8937.
Note: Single Audit Act of 1984
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