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.
Source: Courtesy of Swanton Village Police Dept Vermont via Facebook
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)
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Source: Courtesy of New Castle County Police via Facebook
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)
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Source: Courtesy of Johnston, RI Police Department via Facebook
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)
Source: fccdotgov / Flickr
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)
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Source: Courtesy of Rockingham County Sheriff's Office - High Sheriff Charles Massahos via Facebook
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)
Source: Courtesy of Campbell County, Wyoming Government via Facebook
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)
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Source: Courtesy of Shawnee Kansas Police Department via Facebook
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.Source: Courtesy of Great Falls MT Police Department via Facebook
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)
Source: Courtesy of Wicomico County Sheriff's Office via Facebook
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)
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Source: Courtesy of South Dakota Highway Patrol via Facebook
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)
Source: Courtesy of Marshfield Police Department via Facebook
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)
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Source: Courtesy of Sanford Maine Police Department via Facebook
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)
Source: Courtesy of Nebraska State Patrol Foundation via Facebook
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)
Source: Courtesy of Caldwell Police Department via Facebook
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)
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Source: Courtesy of Buena Vista County Sheriff's Office via Facebook
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)
Source: Courtesy of Utah County Sheriff's Office via Facebook
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)
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Source: Courtesy of Bridgeport Police Department via Facebook
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)
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Source: Courtesy of Jamestown ND Police Department via Facebook
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)
Source: govjustice / Flickr
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)
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Source: Courtesy of Rio Rancho PD via Facebook
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)
Source: Courtesy of Marshall County MS Sheriff's Department via Facebook
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)
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Source: Courtesy of LVMPD via Facebook
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)
Source: Courtesy of Lane County Sheriff's Office via Facebook
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)
Source: Courtesy of Ohio Township Police Department via Facebook
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)
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Source: Courtesy of Frederick County Virginia Sheriff's Office via Facebook
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)
Source: ablokhin / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
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)
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Source: Courtesy of Shawnee OK Police Department via Facebook
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)
Source: Courtesy of Greeley Police Department via Facebook
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)
Source: Courtesy of Benton County Sheriff's Office via Facebook
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)
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Source: Roberto Galan / iStock Editorial via Getty Images
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)
Source: Courtesy of Howell County Sheriff's Office via Facebook
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)
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Source: Courtesy of Pipes and Drums of the Lake County Indiana Sheriff's Department via Facebook
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)
Source: Courtesy of King County Sheriff's Office via Facebook
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)
Source: Courtesy of Oswego City Police Department via Facebook
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)
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Source: Courtesy of Kane County Sheriff's Office via Facebook
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)
Source: Courtesy of Brown County Sheriff's Office via Facebook
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)
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Source: Courtesy of Columbus County Sheriff's Office via Facebook
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)
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Source: Mike Coppola / Getty Images News via Getty Images
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)
Source: RiverNorthPhotography / iStock Unreleased via Getty Images
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)
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Source: Courtesy of Sherburne County Sheriff's Office via Facebook
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)
Source: Courtesy of Columbus Division Of Police via Facebook
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)
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Source: Courtesy of Arizona Department of Public Safety via Facebook
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)
Source: Courtesy of Warner Robins Police Department via Facebook
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)
Source: Courtesy of Tuscaloosa Police Department via Facebook
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)
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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)
Source: Courtesy of Brevard County Sheriff's Office, Florida (Official) via Facebook
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)
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Source: Courtesy of City of Jackson, TN - Police Department via Facebook
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)
Source: Courtesy of Houston Police Department via Facebook
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)
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