Public Notice - Blythe PD Participation in LESO Program

PUBLIC NOTICE

SUBJECT:    Public Notification of Blythe Police Department’s Participation in Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO) Program and Intention to Acquire Items

On May 25, 2022, President Biden signed Presidential Executive Order (EO) 14074—Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety.

In accordance with Section 12 of EO 14074, the Blythe Police Department is notifying the community of its intent to request property from Federal sources, which includes Federal funds or grants.

The Police Department currently participates in the Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO) Program, which allows the Department of Defense to transfer excess property to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to support law enforcement activities. Law enforcement agencies do not pay for the property, but are required to pay for all costs associated with the acquisition, maintenance and costs to return the property when it is no longer needed.

“Controlled property” includes military items, such as small arms/personal weapons and demilitarized vehicles, that are provided to law enforcement agencies via a “loan” from the Department of Defense. Once a law enforcement agency no longer wants the controlled property, it must be returned to the LESO for proper disposition. 

The Blythe Police Department intends to request the controlled property items listed below through the LESO Program:

Controlled Property Description

All-Terrain Vehicles, Armored Vehicle, Ballistic Blanket, Red Dot Sight, Riflescope, Ballistic Shields, Small Arms Storage Racks, Small Arms Parts/Accessories. Small Arms

Pursuant to Section 12 of EO 14074, this notification fulfills the requirement to notify the local community of the Police Department’s intent to request the controlled property items identified in the list above.

For more information regarding the Police Department’s participation in the LESO Program, please contact Chief Garth Dale at (760) 922-6111.