Special Report
States With the Most Militarized Police Departments
Published:
Last Updated:
In recent years, images have proliferated in the media of American law enforcement intervening in mass-protests – donning helmets, toting assault rifles, and marching alongside armored vehicles. While many Americans have been shocked by such displays, the militarization of police departments across the country is nothing new.
In the 1990s, an era of high crime marked by an escalation of the war on drugs in cities across the country, the U.S. Congress authorized the National Defense Authorization Act, also known as the 1033 Program. Under the NDAA, state and local law enforcement agencies could procure excess military weapons and equipment from the Department of Defense.
Since the program’s inception, the DOD has transferred $7.6 billion in military equipment to law enforcement agencies across the country. Between 2010 and 2023, every state except Hawaii has used the program to acquire excess military weapons and equipment.
Using data from the Defense Logistics Agency of the DoD, 24/7 Wall St. identified the states where law enforcement has the most military equipment. The 49 participating states are ranked by the total value of DOD surplus weapons, material, and equipment procured by its law enforcement agencies between 2010 and the first quarter of 2023. It is important to note that values associated with these acquisitions reflect the original price paid by the military.
To better reflect increasing militarization of American law enforcement, items determined by the DOD to present a “low risk” when released from federal control were not included in our analysis. Such items include tents, forklifts, firearm slings, picnic tables, and boots.
While the 1033 Program prohibits the transfer of vehicles that inherently contain weaponry, such as Bradley fighting vehicles or armed drones, the list of weapons and material available to law enforcement is extensive. Tracked and armored vehicles, rifles, bayonets, gunner protection kits, and night vision goggles are all fair game. (Here is a look at the countries where police have the most firepower.)
In many states, local police departments and sheriff’s offices have acquired mine resistant vehicles worth hundreds of thousands of dollars fixed wing aircraft and helicopters worth millions. While such equipment has been deemed appropriate for law enforcement purposes, usage is subject to regular federal, state, and local oversight. (Here is a look at the most militarized local police departments in America.)
Click here to see states where law enforcement have the most military equipment.
Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that law enforcement agencies purchase the military equipment on this list. In fact, law enforcement agencies are only responsible for costs related to shipping, maintenance, and storage.
49. Vermont
> Total value of police military equipment: $372,661
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 6
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Utility Truck for the Swanton Village P.D. ($89,900 in June 2012)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Swanton Village P.D. ($179,800; 48.2% of statewide total)
[in-text-ad]
48. Delaware
> Total value of police military equipment: $991,597
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 11
> Most valuable acquisition: 5 Mine Detecting Sets for the State Police ($96,500 in January 2014)
> Agency with the most military equipment: New Castle County P.D. ($414,274; 41.8% of statewide total)
24/7 Wall St.
47. Rhode Island
> Total value of police military equipment: $1,586,284
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 13
> Most valuable acquisition: 19 Armor Plates for the Johnston P.D. ($335,160 in November 2011)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Johnston P.D. ($714,421; 45.0% of statewide total)
46. Alaska
> Total value of police military equipment: $1,705,594
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 3
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Mine Resistant Vehicle for the Fairbanks P.D. ($689,000 in September 2017)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Anchorage P.D. ($886,180; 52.0% of statewide total)
[in-text-ad-2]
45. New Hampshire
> Total value of police military equipment: $3,645,828
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 27
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Tactical Air Navigation System Navigation Set for the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Dept. ($950,000 in September 2013)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Rockingham County Sheriff’s Dept. ($2,316,991; 63.6% of statewide total)
44. Wyoming
> Total value of police military equipment: $4,006,141
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 15
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Mine Resistant Vehicle for the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office ($733,000 in March 2014)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Campbell County Sheriff’s Office ($1,456,070; 36.3% of statewide total)
[in-text-ad]
43. Kansas
> Total value of police military equipment: $4,781,247
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 48
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Mine Resistant Vehicle for the Shawnee P.D. ($733,000 in March 2014)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Shawnee P.D. ($733,000; 15.3% of statewide total)
24/7 Wall St.42. Montana
> Total value of police military equipment: $4,836,091
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 22
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Mine Resistant Vehicle for the Great Falls P.D. ($689,000 in March 2014)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Great Falls P.D. ($1,479,674; 30.6% of statewide total)
41. Maryland
> Total value of police military equipment: $5,797,499
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 45
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Mine Resistant Vehicle for the Cumberland P.D. ($865,000 in October 2016)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office ($962,401; 16.6% of statewide total)
[in-text-ad-2]
40. South Dakota
> Total value of police military equipment: $7,398,598
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 37
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Mine Resistant Vehicle for the Aberdeen P.D. ($865,000 in December 2016)
> Agency with the most military equipment: South Dakota Highway Patrol ($1,526,944; 20.6% of statewide total)
39. Massachusetts
> Total value of police military equipment: $7,482,579
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 53
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Mine Resistant Vehicle for the Oak Bluffs P.D. ($767,360 in October 2019)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Marshfield P.D. ($948,223; 12.7% of statewide total)
[in-text-ad]
38. Maine
> Total value of police military equipment: $7,804,422
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 45
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Mine Resistant Vehicle for the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office ($689,000 in March 2014)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Sanford P.D. ($1,233,000; 15.8% of statewide total)
24/7 Wall St.
37. Nebraska
> Total value of police military equipment: $9,472,021
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 23
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Mine Resistant Vehicle for the Beatrice P.D. ($767,360 in October 2019)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Nebraska State Patrol ($4,002,710; 42.3% of statewide total)
36. Idaho
> Total value of police military equipment: $11,265,320
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 46
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Mine Resistant Vehicle for the Caldwell P.D. ($767,360 in July 2019)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Caldwell P.D. ($1,647,968; 14.6% of statewide total)
[in-text-ad-2]
35. Iowa
> Total value of police military equipment: $12,859,833
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 53
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Mine Resistant Vehicle for the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office ($733,000 in May 2014)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Office ($1,373,973; 10.7% of statewide total)
34. Utah
> Total value of police military equipment: $13,604,166
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 36
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Mine Resistant Vehicle for the Sandy City P.D. ($733,000 in March 2014)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Utah County Sheriff Dept. ($810,000; 6.0% of statewide total)
[in-text-ad]
33. Connecticut
> Total value of police military equipment: $14,845,957
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 49
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Utility Helicopter for the Stratford P.D. ($922,704 in April 2010)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Bridgeport P.D. ($1,090,447; 7.3% of statewide total)
24/7 Wall St.
32. North Dakota
> Total value of police military equipment: $15,580,697
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 54
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Maintenance Office Storage Semi Trailer for the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office ($950,000 in December 2020)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Jamestown P.D. ($3,878,607; 24.9% of statewide total)
31. West Virginia
> Total value of police military equipment: $15,865,145
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 34
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Flight Trainer Helicopter for the West Virginia State Police ($833,400 in July 2015)
> Agency with the most military equipment: West Virginia State Police ($4,402,564; 27.7% of statewide total)
[in-text-ad-2]
30. New Mexico
> Total value of police military equipment: $17,076,269
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 38
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Mine Resistant Vehicle for the Carlsbad P.D. ($733,000 in February 2014)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Rio Rancho P.D. ($1,450,897; 8.5% of statewide total)
29. Mississippi
> Total value of police military equipment: $17,536,439
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 44
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Mine Resistant Vehicle for the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office ($865,000 in October 2016)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Marshall County Sheriff’s Office ($1,676,695; 9.6% of statewide total)
[in-text-ad]
28. Nevada
> Total value of police military equipment: $19,582,376
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 19
> Most valuable acquisition: 6 Aircraft Engine Turbo-Shafts for the Las Vegas Metro P.D. ($1,808,016 in November 2015)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Las Vegas Metro P.D. ($5,833,333; 29.8% of statewide total)
24/7 Wall St.
27. Oregon
> Total value of police military equipment: $19,839,449
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 32
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Mine Resistant Vehicle for the Douglas County Sheriff Office ($767,360 in August 2019)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Lane County Sheriff Dept. ($3,644,673; 18.4% of statewide total)
26. Pennsylvania
> Total value of police military equipment: $21,863,862
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 98
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Mine Resistant Vehicle for the New Castle P.D. ($865,000 in September 2016)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Ohio Township P.D. ($2,201,410; 10.1% of statewide total)
[in-text-ad-2]
25. Virginia
> Total value of police military equipment: $23,784,984
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 84
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Mine Resistant Vehicle for the Southampton County Sheriff Dept. ($767,360 in June 2019)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Frederick County Sheriff’s Office ($2,940,974; 12.4% of statewide total)
24. Louisiana
> Total value of police military equipment: $24,538,565
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 51
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Medevac Helicopter for the Louisiana State Police ($948,158 in October 2016)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Louisiana State Police ($3,893,665; 15.9% of statewide total)
[in-text-ad]
23. Oklahoma
> Total value of police military equipment: $28,268,275
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 120
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Mine Resistant Vehicle for the Payne County Sheriff Office ($1,309,299 in October 2013)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Shawnee P.D. ($1,683,976; 6.0% of statewide total)
22. Colorado
> Total value of police military equipment: $28,770,882
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 103
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Mine Resistant Vehicle for the Craig P.D. ($865,000 in August 2016)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Greeley P.D. ($2,649,214; 9.2% of statewide total)
21. Arkansas
> Total value of police military equipment: $30,891,646
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 95
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Mine Resistant Vehicle for the Crawford County Sheriff Dept. ($865,000 in November 2016)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Benton County Sheriff’s Office ($1,782,189; 5.8% of statewide total)
[in-text-ad-2]
20. Kentucky
> Total value of police military equipment: $32,495,911
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 140
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Fixed Wing Aircraft for the Kentucky State Police ($3,100,000 in September 2013)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Kentucky State Police ($4,233,257; 13.0% of statewide total)
19. Missouri
> Total value of police military equipment: $34,513,792
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 173
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Mine Resistant Vehicle for the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office ($767,360 in July 2019)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Howell County Sheriff’s Office ($2,723,607; 7.9% of statewide total)
[in-text-ad]
18. Indiana
> Total value of police military equipment: $35,940,902
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 141
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Utility Helicopter for the Lake County Sheriff Dept. ($922,704 in October 2016)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Lake County Sheriff Dept. ($5,297,139; 14.7% of statewide total)
17. Washington
> Total value of police military equipment: $37,195,384
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 86
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Utility Helicopter for the King County Sheriff’s Office ($922,704 in September 2012)
> Agency with the most military equipment: King County Sheriff’s Office ($4,372,757; 11.8% of statewide total)
16. New York
> Total value of police military equipment: $38,730,990
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 110
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Utility Helicopter for the NY State Police ($922,704 in June 2013)
> Agency with the most military equipment:Oswego County Sheriff’s Office ($1,813,436; 4.7% of statewide total)
[in-text-ad-2]
15. Illinois
> Total value of police military equipment: $40,028,909
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 235
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Utility Helicopter for the Chicago P.D. ($916,406 in February 2011)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Kane County Sheriff’s Office ($3,748,349; 9.4% of statewide total)
14. Wisconsin
> Total value of police military equipment: $41,176,131
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 106
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Mine Resistant Vehicle for the Taylor County Sheriff Dept. ($865,000 in November 2016)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Brown County Sheriff’s Office ($1,925,063; 4.7% of statewide total)
[in-text-ad]
13. North Carolina
> Total value of police military equipment: $45,455,133
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 111
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Mine Resistant Vehicle for the Concord P.D. ($865,000 in November 2016)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Columbus County Sheriff’s Office ($2,862,440; 6.3% of statewide total)
12. New Jersey
> Total value of police military equipment: $45,460,066
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 184
> Most valuable acquisition: 15 GPS Equipment Sets for the Hackensack P.D. ($1,470,000 in January 2017)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Perth Amboy P.D. ($2,129,316; 4.7% of statewide total)
11. Michigan
> Total value of police military equipment: $49,981,067
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 201
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Utility Helicopter for the Michigan State Police ($922,704 in December 2016)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Michigan State Police ($3,314,271; 6.6% of statewide total)
[in-text-ad-2]
10. Minnesota
> Total value of police military equipment: $54,888,651
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 111
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Mine Resistant Vehicle for the West Hennepin Public Safety Dept. ($865,000 in November 2016)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office ($6,662,885; 12.1% of statewide total)
9. Ohio
> Total value of police military equipment: $56,316,007
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 233
> Most valuable acquisition: 14 Aircraft Engine Turbo-Shafts for the Columbus Division of Police ($4,218,704 in November 2015)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Columbus Division of Police ($4,218,704; 7.5% of statewide total)
[in-text-ad]
8. Arizona
> Total value of police military equipment: $56,326,770
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 75
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Fixed Wing Aircraft for the Arizona Dept. of Public Safety ($17,000,000 in December 2015)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Arizona Dept. of Public Safety ($18,205,138; 32.3% of statewide total)
7. Georgia
> Total value of police military equipment: $61,462,743
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 201
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Semi Trailer Maintenance Operations Center for the Fulton County Sheriff Dept. ($1,542,000 in March 2022)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Warner Robins P.D. ($3,166,341; 5.2% of statewide total)
6. Alabama
> Total value of police military equipment: $70,698,539
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 177
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Electrical Test Facility for the Albertville P.D. ($1,400,000 in July 2012)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Tuscaloosa P.D. ($3,694,985; 5.2% of statewide total)
[in-text-ad-2]
5. South Carolina
> Total value of police military equipment: $74,094,838
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 135
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 X-Ray Screening ZBV Military Trailer for the SC Law Enforcement Division ($1,060,000 in March 2015)
> Agency with the most military equipment: SC Law Enforcement Division ($19,096,007; 25.8% of statewide total)
4. Florida
> Total value of police military equipment: $74,563,019
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 137
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Multi-Mode Imaging System for the Dept. Of Law Enf. Tallahassee ($1,445,819 in October 2019)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Brevard County Sheriff’s Office ($3,851,443; 5.2% of statewide total)
[in-text-ad]
3. Tennessee
> Total value of police military equipment: $107,079,868
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 197
> Most valuable acquisition: 4 Non-Lethal Capabilities Sets for the Lawrenceburg P.D. ($1,688,000 in May 2018)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Jackson P.D. ($4,275,173; 4.0% of statewide total)
2. California
> Total value of police military equipment: $109,660,198
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 154
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Fixed Wing Aircraft for the California Highway Patrol ($22,000,000 in June 2016)
> Agency with the most military equipment: California Highway Patrol ($22,275,943; 20.3% of statewide total)
1. Texas
> Total value of police military equipment: $129,382,429
> Law enforcement agencies acquiring military equipment, 2010-2023: 324
> Most valuable acquisition: 1 Fixed Wing Aircraft for the Houston P.D. ($5,390,000 in March 2010)
> Agency with the most military equipment: Houston P.D. ($7,351,887; 5.7% of statewide total)
Credit Card Companies Are Doing Something Nuts
Credit card companies are at war. The biggest issuers are handing out free rewards and benefits to win the best customers.
It’s possible to find cards paying unlimited 1.5%, 2%, and even more today. That’s free money for qualified borrowers, and the type of thing that would be crazy to pass up. Those rewards can add up to thousands of dollars every year in free money, and include other benefits as well.
We’ve assembled some of the best credit cards for users today. Don’t miss these offers because they won’t be this good forever.
Flywheel Publishing has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Flywheel Publishing and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.