NCJ Number
106432
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 56 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1987) Pages: 15-19
Date Published
1987
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Two types of Federal assistance are available to local civilian law enforcement agencies: surplus government property, which has been made available since 1949, and military assistance, which has been offered since 1981.
Abstract
Military assistance consists of information, training, technical assistance, equipment, and facilities. The 1981 amendment of the 100-year-old Posse Comitatus Act allows civilian law enforcement officials to obtain information gathered during the normal course of military opertions related to a State or Federal law violation, the use of loaned equipment and base facilities, and training in the operation and maintenance of loaned equipment. Law enforcement officials can obtain military assistance through two procedures. The support provided must not harm national security or military preparedness and cannot consist of direct assistance to civilian law enforcement activities. Surplus government property is available through the General Services Administration (GSA) under the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949. Each State has an agency for surplus property. States may also contact regional GSA offices with specific requests. 8 footnotes.