Grant Funding Still Thrives in Public Safety: How Agencies Can Secure Support for LPR Technology
Across the country, law enforcement agencies continue to face increasing demands with decreasing budgets. While some government grant programs have been reduced or consolidated in recent years, one area remains consistently well funded: public safety. Agencies committed to enhancing community protection, intelligence driven policing, and investigative efficiency still have access to robust federal and state grant opportunities, especially those offered through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ).
For departments operating with strained resources, knowing where to look is the first step. For agencies looking to deploy or expand License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology, that knowledge is even more crucial.
Despite shifts in the national funding landscape, grants tied directly to public safety have remained among the federal government’s most consistently supported categories. DHS programs such as the Homeland Security Grant Program and DOJ programs like the Byrne Justice Assistance Grants continue to invest in technology that strengthens crime prevention, enhances intelligence capabilities, and improves emergency response.
Why Grants Are Critical When Budgets Are Tight
Many agencies, especially municipal departments, face shrinking general fund budgets and competing priorities across divisions. Yet the demand for faster investigative support, automated intelligence tools, real time vehicle identification, and improved crime fighting capabilities continues to rise.
This creates a gap between mission and resources, one that well targeted grants can fill. LPR technology, which plays a proven role in case closures, traffic safety, and crime reduction, is frequently eligible under technology, enforcement, and public safety improvement categories.
Free Grant Support Through Leonardo and PoliceOne
To help agencies navigate the process, Leonardo offers free grant assistance through our partnership with PoliceOne. This service is designed specifically for public safety organizations researching funding options for LPR cameras, LPR software, mobile, fixed, or portable deployments, and integration and investigative platforms.
The PoliceOne grants team assists with identifying relevant grant programs, reviewing project needs, aligning applications with grant requirements, and strengthening justification narratives.
A Major New Opportunity: Opioid Settlement Funds
Beyond traditional DHS and DOJ grants, agencies now have access to another powerful funding stream: the Opioid Settlement Fund, totaling more than 50 billion dollars nationwide.
These funds were established to help states and localities combat and mitigate the impact of the opioid crisis. Eligible spending categories vary by state but commonly include technology that aids narcotics investigations, tools that support interdiction and trafficking prevention, community safety initiatives, and LPR technology due to its role in detecting vehicles tied to drug trafficking, overdose events, and fugitive recovery.
Why LPR Technology Aligns With Grant Priorities
Grants focused on public safety increasingly emphasize proactive crime reduction, intelligence led policing, interagency information sharing, and modern investigative tools.
Leonardo’s LPR solutions support these objectives by delivering accuracy, speed, and seamless integration with existing systems. Agencies also gain measurable ROI through improved case closures, reduced response times, and enhanced operational efficiency.
Final Thoughts: Funding Is Out There, You Just Need the Right Guide
While some grant programs have been phased out or folded into broader categories, public safety funding has remained resilient. Agencies willing to seek out these opportunities can secure the technology upgrades they need without straining local budgets.
Leonardo’s partnership with PoliceOne ensures that agencies have expert support in identifying and pursuing these opportunities. And with new funding sources like the Opioid Settlement Fund now available, departments have more options than ever to procure LPR cameras and software.
