For a number of years, Congress has recognized that State and local law enforcement could benefit from access to excess and surplus personal Federal property, and has passed legislation to make this property and equipment available.  The largest generator of this property has been the US Department of Defense.

Initially begun as a program to assist with counterdrug and counterterrorism activities, the Excess Property Program has since expanded to include all general law enforcement activities as well as some prison functions such as riot control and tracking escaped prisoners.

Excess Property is transferred to eligible law enforcement agencies from the Department of Defense at no charge.  Participants do incur a minimal service charge to cover the costs of administering the program.