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 counter terrorism. The LESO Program allows LEAs to receive DoD excess property. If you qualify and choose to participate, your organization will become one of over 13,000 local LEAs that have taken advantage of this unique program.
*Applications for NEW participants are only accepted Nov 1 - Mar 1*
Two criteria must be met to be eligible for participation in the program. The first criterion is that your agency must be a governmental agency whose PRIMARY function is the enforcement of applicable federal, state, and local laws. The second is that you must have 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 be fully enrolled in the program: a completed 14-page Application Packet must be signed and submitted to txlesoprogram@dps.texas.gov for approval. Once approved, the agency has six months to set up at least one screener's account in the FEPMIS, AMPS & RTD Business Portal websites and attend the mandatory training class. To remain active in the program, an updated Application Packet must be submitted annually by June 30 (as well as every time an agency's contact info or POC changes).
Screening (Requesting Property)
Screening for excess property worldwide is extremely simple and can be done online through the Reutilization, Transfer, Donation (RTD) Business Portal website. You can search for specific items or for a broad range of materials. You can even create a want list so that the system can search for you.
Property Accountability and File Management
Property obtained from the LESO Program must be physically inventoried annually and certified through the FEPMIS website (due by Aug 31 each year). All LESO Program records must be maintained in accordance with the State Plan of Operation (SPO) that is signed by the LEA's Chief Law Enforcement Official (CLEO) and Civilian Governing Body Authorized Official (CGB). In the event there is a change in administration, the new CLEO and/or CGB is responsible for all LESO Program property until a new Application Packet is submitted and approved.
Texas LESO Training Information
We offer training sessions where you will learn valuable information about policies and procedures and gain hands-on practice in requesting property and maintaining your inventory. It is mandatory that all new program participants attend an in-person training class, prior to any requests for property being approved. Click on the title above to view the next class schedule and registration information. Additionally, according to the State Plan of Operation, our office is required to provide training to all active participants annually. Therefore, training slides will be emailed to all active program participants during the annual application cycle.
Special Equipment
Some equipment is scarce, unavailable online, or in such high demand that additional steps are taken to ensure equitable distribution throughout the nation. If your agency is interested in acquiring Aircraft, Weapons, or Armored Vehicles, please use the corresponding links below to ensure the correct forms are submitted for approval.
Quick Links