How Law Enforcement Can Afford Modern Tech with Limited Budget and Staff

Investing in cutting-edge police technology can help law enforcement agencies improve efficiency, enhance public safety, and solve crimes faster. However, securing funding for new law enforcement technology can be a challenge, particularly for smaller departments with limited budgets. The good news? By thinking big but starting small, agencies can take strategic steps to access funding and gradually implement the solutions they need. Here are four key tips to get started.

1. Build Community and Stakeholder Support for Law Enforcement Technology

Public safety technology often benefits not just police departments but entire communities. Garnering local support can open doors to funding opportunities, including:

• Engaging city councils, local businesses, and community organizations in discussions about technology benefits—particularly how this tech can boost the local economy.
• Demonstrating how tools like license plate recognition (LPR) cameras and real-time crime analytics improve public safety without compromising privacy.
• Exploring public-private partnerships where local businesses or homeowner associations contribute to funding law enforcement technology solutions.

2. Explore Alternative Funding Sources for Law Enforcement Agencies

Beyond a police agency's general fund and city budgets, consider creative ways to fund new police technology, such as:

• Asset forfeiture funds: If permitted, departments can allocate seized criminal assets toward public safety technology upgrades.
• State and local funding programs: Some states offer dedicated funds for law enforcement technology initiatives.
• Alternative funding streams: Investigate opportunities to raise funds through programs such as VIN verification programs, jail commissary funds, or collaborations with other city departments to finance the technology.

3. Start with a Pilot Program for New Police Technology

Before requesting a large-scale investment, consider launching a small-scale pilot program. A pilot:

• Allows agencies to test and demonstrate effectiveness before full implementation.
• Provides real-world data that can be leveraged to justify future funding.
• Helps officers and the community become familiar with the technology, making broader adoption smoother.

4. Leverage Grant Opportunities for Police Technology

Many federal, state, and private grants are available to help law enforcement agencies adopt new technology. Agencies should:

• Regularly check grant databases such as the Department of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) for available funding.
• Work with grant writers or leverage external consultants to craft strong applications.
• Emphasize how police technology solutions align with crime reduction goals, community policing, or public safety initiatives.

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Final Thoughts: Funding Public Safety Technology

Modern police technology can make a significant impact on solving and preventing crime, but funding remains a hurdle for many departments. By seeking law enforcement grants, building community support, piloting new solutions, and exploring alternative funding sources, police departments can take meaningful steps toward adopting the tools they need to keep communities safe.

Thinking big but starting small ensures that even agencies with limited budgets can make progress toward smarter, more efficient policing.

Looking for more insights on how you can fun law enforcement technology for your department? Download the Police Chief’s Checklist: Secure Advanced Technology With a Small Budget.

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