Officials from 36 states gather for LESO seminar in Battle Creek

State-appointed coordinators and law enforcement personnel from 36 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands gathered in Battle Creek, Michigan, this week for the Defense Logistics Agency’s 25th annual Law Enforcement Support Office National Seminar, a two-day session focused on tightening accountability and streamlining how departments access surplus military gear.

The event, held May 5-6 at DLA Disposition Services headquarters, centered on governor-appointed coordinators who act as liaisons between local agencies and the federal program commonly known as the 1033 program. Over nearly three decades, the Congress-directed effort has routed surplus Defense Department equipment with an original value exceeding $8.4 billion to thousands of police and sheriff’s offices nationwide.

“You are the center of gravity for the success of this program,” DLA Disposition Services Chief of Staff Pete Foreman told attendees, emphasizing that oversight of controlled property remains the agency’s top priority and that inventory accountability would stay stringent. He also outlined recent policy changes intended to make the program easier to use, including immediate title transfer for commercially available vehicles, prioritizing LESO requisition requests over other special programs, and executing small arms title transfers. “These are very positive changes that will enable you to do your job better,” Foreman said, adding that aside from accountability, the office will continue working to reduce administrative burdens and broaden participation in the year ahead.

The seminar drew a mix of veteran and newly appointed coordinators looking to navigate federal rules and systems. Montana Highway Patrol purchasing technician Katherine Weger, named a state point of contact four months ago, said the deep dive was timely and practical. “It was super informing and a chance to really learn in depth,” Weger said. “I had a very broad idea of the program, but this allowed me a useful look at a lot of the specifics. It was very valuable.”

For Arkansas Division of Law Enforcement Standards and Training advanced law enforcement trainer Joe Duboise, who took on coordinator duties just weeks before the event, peer-to-peer discussions were among the biggest benefits. “The conference was great for networking,” Duboise said. “Getting to sit down with everybody to talk about how to do things was a big help.”

Sessions covered demilitarization rules; policies for aircraft, vehicles and ammunition; Program Compliance Reviews; inventory adjustments; and upcoming changes to the online application tools used by participants. A Department of Justice representative briefed attendees on federal grant programs that could be paired with surplus property to help agencies meet operational needs, and DLA staff urged coordinators to reach out for assistance as needed. “Don’t hesitate to continue bringing your ideas and recommendations to the table,” LESO Branch Chief Brienne Hallifax told attendees, noting that several recent process changes originated with suggestions from state coordinators. “We will do everything within our power to try to help you.”

Congress first authorized transfers of excess defense material to law enforcement in the early 1990s, and LESO was established in 1997 to formalize the process. While public debate often centers on military-style equipment, most items moving through the program are non-controlled goods such as clothing, office supplies, tools and emergency response gear that agencies receive at no cost and take title to immediately. According to DLA, requests for controlled items make up a small fraction of transfers: tactical vehicles account for less than 1%, and small arms such as pistols and rifles represent less than 2%.

The program has faced recurring scrutiny from civil liberties groups and some lawmakers who argue that military equipment can escalate encounters and erode community trust. In recent years, several states and municipalities have adopted new approval, reporting and use policies for higher-risk gear. Against that backdrop, DLA leaders used this week’s gathering to underscore compliance checks and inventory rigor, while also streamlining paperwork and timelines for routine property transfers.

Participation guidance and state coordinator contacts are available on DLA’s LESO website.