Background & Information
LESO Program Overview: The National Defense Authorization Act authorizes the Secretary of Defense to transfer excess Department of Defense (DoD) personal property to Federal, state, and local Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA) with special emphasis given to counterterrorism. The LESO Program allows LEAs to receive DoD excess property. If you qualify and choose to participate, your organization will become one of more than 6,000 local LEAs in this unique program.
*Applications for NEW participants are only accepted Nov 1 - Mar 31*
Two criteria must be met to be eligible for participation in the program. First, your agency must be a governmental agency whose PRIMARY function is the enforcement of applicable federal, state, and local laws. Second, you must employ at least one full-time, compensated officer who is TCOLE-certified and has the authority to arrest and apprehend.
Three steps must be completed to fully enroll in the program: a completed 14-page Application Packet must be signed and submitted via email to txlesoprogram@dps.texas.gov. Once approved, the agency must set up at least one screener's account via the AMPS & RTD Business Portal website and one account for the Inventory Management Website before attending the mandatory in-person training. Please note: A cellphone is required for program participation and account security. Training dates are scheduled between November 1 and March 31.
To remain active in the program, an updated Application Packet must be submitted annually during the spring renewal cycle (with a final deadline of June 30), as well as anytime an agency's contact information, administration, or POC changes.
Screening (Requesting Property)
Screening for excess property is simple and handled online through the Reutilization, Transfer, Donation (RTD) Business Portal website. Authorized screeners can search for specific items or a broad range of materials, or create an automated "want list" so the system can alert you when matching property becomes available.
Property Accountability and File Management
Property obtained from the LESO Program must be physically inventoried and certified annually through the assigned DLA electronic system. (The DLA is currently transitioning to a new system, and the updated portal is not currently available.) All LESO Program records must be maintained in accordance with the State Plan of Operation (SPO), signed jointly by the LEA's Chief Law Enforcement Official (CLEO) and Civilian Governing Body Authorized Official (CGB). If there is a change to either the CLEO or CGB, LEAs have 30 days to notify our office. In the event of an administrative transition, the incoming CLEO and/or CGB remains strictly responsible for all current LESO Program property until a new Application Packet is approved.
Texas LESO Training Information
We offer training sessions covering policies and procedures, along with hands-on practice for requesting property and maintaining automated inventories. All new program participants must attend an in-person training class before any property requests are approved. Click on the title above to view the current class schedule and registration information. Additionally, according to the State Plan of Operation, our office provides mandatory annual training. Training slides are emailed to all active program participants during the annual application renewal window.
Special Equipment
Some equipment is scarce, heavily restricted, or in such high demand that additional federal steps are required to ensure equitable nationwide distribution. If your agency is interested in acquiring Aircraft, Weapons, or Armored Vehicles, please use the corresponding links below to complete the specialized justification and authorization forms required for approval.
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