How Law Enforcement Agencies Are Funding Modern Technology—Without Breaking the Budget

As public safety challenges evolve and budgets remain constrained, many departments are exploring new ways to fund modern technology like License Plate Reader (LPR) cameras, video cameras, mobile security trailers, and other crime prevention tools. Recent examples from communities in Kansas, Indiana, Mississippi, and Texas show that impactful technology adoption is possible through alternative funding strategies, including local sponsorships, fee-based programs, and reallocated funds.

Rethinking the Funding Formula

Instead of relying solely on traditional budget allocations, many law enforcement agencies are turning to inventive strategies to bridge the funding gap. Whether it’s tapping into local revenue sources, forming private partnerships, or leveraging smart sales negotiations, departments are finding ways to bring transformative technology to their communities, without waiting for budget miracles.

Real-World Successes in Creative Funding

‍Leveraging Community Business Support

In one Midwestern town facing a rise in shoplifting and pharmacy thefts, transient crime trends put pressure on local law enforcement. The department combined internal funding from vehicle inspections with grants from major retailers and direct outreach to businesses. One large corporate partner was so impressed by the initial impact of the LPR cameras that they covered the full cost, including implementation, for the first year.

This blend of grassroots engagement and strategic funding allowed the department to sidestep delays and rapidly expand its capabilities.

Sponsorships from Local Industry

A rural county dealing with theft, domestic violence, and drug-related crime took a similarly resourceful approach. By bundling VIN check fees, inmate commissary funds, and help from the prosecutor’s office, the agency pieced together funding for its first LPR system. One savvy move was offering free VIN checks to a local dealership in exchange for camera sponsorship. A dealership manager replied, “Sounds like a win to me.”

The result? No grants. No red tape. Just a practical trade-off that benefited both community safety and business goodwill.

Redevelopment Funds with Safety in Mind

Another department near a high-traffic interstate struggled with major crimes, including drug trafficking and burglaries. Funds from the City Council were not available, so the department pivoted to funding from the city’s Redevelopment Commission, which had a broader budget for safety and infrastructure. After an informal pitch at a council meeting, the Redevelopment Commission invited the department to submit a request, and it approved four cameras shortly after.

By identifying non-traditional municipal funding sources, the department turned a stalled request into a green-lit success.

Making the Most of Refunds and Reallocations

In another case, a department had spent more than $700,000 on camera technology, only to find that 70% of the cameras had been non-functional for more than a year. Facing a breakdown in critical infrastructure, the department secured a refund from the original vendor and redirected those funds toward a solution from Flock Safety. Strategic budget reallocation allowed them to rebuild without further draining city resources.

Flock Safety works with thousands of communities across the nation to advance their crime prevention technology. Read more stories here.

Proven Funding Models You Can Start Using Today

Agencies don’t need million-dollar budgets to fund impactful technology. Here are a few actionable approaches being used across the country:

1. Public-Private Partnerships

Engage local stakeholders—retailers, business parks, casinos, or auto dealers—who benefit from safer neighborhoods. They may be willing to sponsor a camera or help cover costs in exchange for improved security.

2. Revenue-Generating Programs

Leverage income from vehicle inspection fees, VIN checks, alcohol enforcement funds, or similar programs. These consistent revenue streams can help offset upfront costs or even fund full implementations over time.

Law enforcement agencies can also often use asset seizure and forfeiture funds to invest in critical technology that supports public safety. While rules vary by state, both criminal and civil forfeiture programs may allow these funds to be allocated toward tools and equipment that help officers do their jobs more effectively. Check your state’s statutes or legal resources to confirm eligibility and allowable uses.

3. Reallocation of Internal Funds

Look inward at current inefficiencies. Could a refund from outdated or underperforming technology be reallocated toward something more reliable? Even a department's own inmate commissary fund or alcohol enforcement fees might be repurposed for technology investments.

4. Grants and State Funding

Grants from entities like the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA) or state-level public safety programs can jump-start advanced initiatives like drone deployment or AI-powered crime prevention systems. Staying informed about new grant cycles can make a huge difference.

Flock Safety has partnered with Lexipol to help agencies secure funding for LPR projects. This no-cost License Plate Readers Grant Assistance Program offers customized grant support, including research, alerts, and application feedback from grant experts, ensuring agencies have the tools they need to submit strong applications. 

While funding isn’t guaranteed, this partnership is designed to maximize opportunities for successful grant awards. Access grant application assistance here.

Delivering Long-Term Cost Savings

‍Although some technologies require an upfront investment, they often result in significant savings over time. Faster investigations mean fewer hours spent on each case. Stopping a crime in progress—or preventing one entirely—saves money on everything from court costs to property replacement to community services.

It’s not just about spending money; it’s about spending smarter.

What This Means for the Future of Policing

As scalable, cloud-based systems become more accessible, even the smallest agencies can benefit from real-time analytics and automated workflows. The focus now isn’t on the size of your budget. It’s on how flexible and creative you’re willing to be.

Smart investments can boost officer efficiency, morale, and most importantly, public trust. Every dollar saved or reallocated is another step toward safer, more responsive policing.

You Don’t Need to Wait. You Just Need a Plan.

Modern crime-fighting tools can be within reach. With the right mix of community partnerships, strategic reallocation, and smart funding conversations, departments can start small, prove results, and scale over time.

See how you can turn “We can’t afford this” into “Here’s how we made it happen.”

Explore tailored funding strategies and solutions that help your department do more—with less.

Want to dive deeper into real-world funding strategies?

Watch the webinar: How Law Enforcement Can Afford Modern Tech with Limited Budget and Staff to learn how agencies like yours are making it happen—without breaking the budget.