National Security · Public Policy · Civil Rights·April 28, 2025
Pentagon transfers 1033 Program equipment while DOJ limits Section 1983
Military gear funneled to police while civil liability shields raise use-of-force risks
On 2025-04-28, President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order “Strengthening and Unleashing America’s Police” (White House Law Enforcement Executive Order).
The order reinstates the Pentagon’s 1033 Program, authorizing transfer of surplus military gear—including armored vehicles, aircraft, weapons and surveillance equipment—to local police departments (Department of Defense 1033 Program Reinstatement).
The order directs federal agencies to strengthen qualified immunity protections, making it substantially harder for citizens to bring civil lawsuits against officers for constitutional violations (Justice Department Qualified Immunity Guidance).
Since 1990, the Defense Logistics Agency’s 1033 Program has transferred over $7.4 billion in military equipment to local police departments (Defense Logistics Agency 1033 Program Statistics).
The order terminates Community Oriented Policing Services initiatives—including community policing and bias training programs—by eliminating COPS-P381 requirements (Community Oriented Policing Services Program Termination).
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