Representative Andy Biggs (R-AZ) has introduced legislation modernizing the Department of War's Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO), which is known as the 1033 program.
The 1033 program allows state and local law enforcement agencies to acquire surplus material from the War Department, such as office supplies, specialized gear, and vehicles, and Rep. Biggs' Providing Resources and Oversight for Tactical Equipment to Communities and Troops (PROTECT) Act standardizes state-federal consultation procedures, requires annual coordinator training, and regular Defense Logistics Agency program reviews.
"I introduced the PROTECT Act following conversations with Arizona stakeholders who were frustrated with the growing lack of coordination between state and federal partners," said Rep. Biggs in a press release. "This necessary update ensures greater oversight, clearer standards, and more effective state-federal coordination to carry out the program's mission. I'm grateful for another opportunity to stand with our Arizona law enforcement community as these agencies protect our communities and respond to emergencies, natural disasters, and public safety threats."
The Arizona congressman's bill follows the introduction of his Monitor Accountability Act in April, which reins in federal monitors of law enforcement agencies to prevent their entrenchment once appointed through term limits, publicly announced new monitors, compensation caps, and other measures.
As a result, the Monitor Accountability Act has gained growing support from law enforcement agencies throughout the Grand Canyon State, including the Arizona Sheriffs' Association, the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, and the Arizona Police Association, along with the Peace Officers Research Association of California and the Major County Sheriffs of America.
Biggs' PROTECT Act comes on the heels of Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), successfully securing $4.2 million in federal Community Project Funding to modernize Tucson's aging police vehicle fleet.
The investment is slated to cover a range of equipment, including patrol SUVs, motorcycles, community service vehicles, and a mobile command unit.
