Non-Traditional Alternatives to Public Safety Grants

Securing funding for public safety technology is a critical challenge for law enforcement agencies aiming to enhance operational efficiency and community safety. While federal public safety grants can be a resource, applying for and receiving grant funding can be a long process. When an agency sees a solution to help its public safety efforts and is not able to wait on the long-term process of grant funding, there are alternative funding avenues that can be equally effective.

Where do you find funds for an unexpected and unbudgeted technology purchase? And how do you justify purchasing this year rather than waiting for next year’s budget? These questions should be considered as you look for other funding sources. Once you locate potential funding, more than likely, some decision-maker involvement will be needed to approve the reallocation or movement of funds.

Where to Look for Funding Opportunities

Law enforcement agencies should consider multiple avenues when searching for alternative funding sources to purchase technology. Internal agency budgets may contain unused or re-allocatable funds, while asset forfeiture accounts provide another potential source. Municipal and state agencies often have surplus funds earmarked for public safety improvements. Public-private partnerships with corporations and local businesses can also help offset costs, particularly when the technology benefits both the agency and the community. Collaborating with industries such as healthcare, real estate, and education can yield financial support for shared security initiatives. Finally, non-traditional funding sources like corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, community fundraising, and non-profit grants can provide additional revenue streams for public safety technology investments.

• Identifying Unused Funds Within the Agency: Internal budget reviews can reveal unallocated or underutilized funds that may be redirected toward technology investments. For instance, reallocating savings from reduced overtime, salary expenses, or operational efficiencies can fund new technology acquisitions like the City of Jackson Police in Tennessee.
• Utilizing Asset Forfeiture Funds: Asset forfeiture programs enable agencies to seize assets connected to criminal activity, with proceeds often earmarked for law enforcement purposes. These funds can be allocated to purchase advanced technology as Nassau County Police in New York did. Adhering to legal guidelines governing the use of forfeiture funds is essential to ensuring compliance and transparency.
• Requesting Unused Funds from Other Government Entities: Collaboration with municipal, county, or state governments can uncover additional funding sources. Agencies can propose reallocating unused or surplus funds from other departments, like public works or parks, toward public safety technology projects. Demonstrating how the technology will benefit the broader community can strengthen the case for such reallocations.
• Establishing Public-Private Partnerships: Engaging with private sector entities can lead to mutually beneficial partnerships. Businesses are often vested in community safety and may be willing to invest in technology that enhances security. For example, local businesses might co-fund license plate readers like PlateRanger, or patrol management software like ResourceRouter in commercial areas to deter crime and improve safety, benefiting the community and the business environment.
• Collaborating with Industries Sharing Common Goals: Industries such as healthcare and real estate are directly interested in maintaining safe environments. Collaborative efforts can result in shared funding for technologies like emergency response systems or neighborhood surveillance, aligning with the safety objectives of both sectors. For instance, real estate developers may invest in public safety technologies, like ShotSpotter, to enhance property values and attract residents. In the example of Greenville, North Carolina, they partnered with a local healthcare provider, their housing authority, and a local university to fund the ShotSpotter technology.
• Leveraging Private Foundation Grants: Private and corporate foundations offer grants that, while not government-funded, can significantly support law enforcement technology initiatives and may have quicker funding timelines than federal grant programs. These grants often focus on community development and safety, providing an alternative funding stream. Agencies should research and apply to foundations whose missions align with public safety objectives. One such foundation is Bloomberg Philanthropies, which provided funding assistance to the Baltimore Police in Maryland to help fund their ShotSpotter technology.
• Exploring Federal Programs Beyond Traditional Grants: While not classified as grants, specific federal programs provide resources that can be utilized for some public safety projects. For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture offers low-interest loans to support public safety services in rural communities with populations under 20,000.
• Participating in Equipment Donation Programs: Programs through the US military, like the Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO), facilitate the transfer of surplus military equipment to law enforcement agencies. While not a direct funding source, these programs provide access to technology and equipment that might otherwise be unaffordable. Agencies should assess the suitability of such equipment for their specific needs and community context.
• Implementing Cost-Sharing Initiatives: Collaborating with neighboring jurisdictions to share the costs of technology acquisition and maintenance can be an effective strategy. Joint ventures reduce individual financial burdens and promote regional cooperation. For example, multiple agencies could jointly invest in a shared, cross-jurisdictional search solution, like CrimeTracer, enhancing interoperability and reducing the cost for each participating agency.

Brief Case Study: Greenville, NC Police Department

In Greenville, the city successfully implemented ShotSpotter technology to combat gun violence by creatively combining various funding sources. The Greenville Police Department collaborated with the City Council and local stakeholders to secure financial support from municipal budgets, state grants, and federal programs. Working with Vidant Medical Center, the Greenville Housing Authority, and East Carolina University, Greenville Police implemented ShotSpotter. In 2019, this mix-and-match funding approach enabled the acquisition and deployment of ShotSpotter, which led to a 20% reduction in homicides and a 29% reduction in gun violence injuries within the coverage area.

Brief Case Study: Osceola County Sheriff’s Department

In a recent example, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Department received donations from the private sector. Cargill donated $4,000 to acquire stop-sticks, essential tools for vehicle immobilization during pursuits. Additionally, Attitude Wellness, LLC contributed $32,000 for Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs), improving communication and efficiency within the department. These donations enabled the department to upgrade equipment without relying on federal grants, showcasing the potential of private funding sources.

Additional Non-Grant Funding Sources

Beyond the avenues discussed, law enforcement agencies can explore other innovative funding strategies that may take longer than those listed above but may be alternatives to traditional grant funding.

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives: Many corporations allocate funds for community development and safety projects as part of their CSR programs. Engaging with local businesses can open doors to financial support for public safety technologies.
• Foundations and Non-Profit Organizations: Various foundations offer financial assistance for projects aligned with their mission, including public safety and community well-being.
• Engaging Community Support and Crowdfunding: Community engagement can lead to direct financial support for technology projects. Crowdfunding platforms allow agencies to present their needs to the public, garnering support from community members who value enhanced public safety. Transparency and clear communication about the intended use of funds are crucial to building trust and encouraging contributions.

Leverage Your Public Safety Vendors

Navigating complex funding requires expertise and strategic planning, especially when mixing and matching from various sources. SoundThinking offers invaluable assistance to law enforcement agencies seeking to diversify their funding streams. Our deep understanding of public safety needs and funding mechanisms, SoundThinking, can help you find funding consultants or put you in contact with another agency that implemented a similar project using varied funding sources. As a trusted advisor, public safety vendors like SoundThinking can provide out-of-the-box thinking and additional guidance that can help you search for funding.

Traditionally, law enforcement agencies look to federally funded grants to support many law enforcement initiatives. However, looking for non-grant funding opportunities in the current fiscal environment may be imperative to implement new technology. By exploring internal reallocations, asset forfeiture funds, intergovernmental collaborations, public-private partnerships, and other funding options, agencies can secure the necessary resources without solely relying on traditional grants.

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