1033 Program: Police Hope Trump Lifts Ban on Surplus Military Gear

By Tactical-Life

National police organizations are hoping President-elect Donald Trump keeps his promise to make surplus military equipment more readily available to police.

Under the Pentagon’s 1033 program — created in 1997 — state and local law enforcement agencies were given tracked armored vehicles, grenade launchers, bayonets, camouflage uniforms and .50 cal firearms not being used by the military.

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However, in response to recent protests in Ferguson, Missouri and Baltimore, Maryland, President Barack Obama issued an executive order in 2015 cutting off access to the gear. Since the order went into effect, over 1,800 items have been recalled.

But the tide seems to be turning. During the 2016 U.S. presidential election campaign, Trump pledged his support for the 1033 program and promised to reverse Obama’s executive order should be get elected. He was asked about the topic on a Fraternal Order of Police questionnaire, and his response was posted on the group’s website.

“The 1033 program is an excellent program that enhances community safety. I will rescind the current executive order,” Trump said.

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“We take him at his word,” FOP …Read the Rest

Source:: Tactical Life