New Funding Available for Public Safety Technology, Drones, and Real-Time Operations
The U.S. Department of Justice has released the FY25 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program solicitations, providing significant federal funding for state and local governments to support criminal justice and public safety initiatives.
Through the FY25 program, the Department of Justice is making funding available through two primary channels:
State Byrne JAG Formula Funding
Local Byrne JAG Formula Funding
Together, these programs represent one of the largest and most flexible federal funding opportunities available to public safety agencies each year, supporting technology modernization, investigative tools, and operational capabilities across the justice system.
For many agencies, Byrne JAG funding is an important resource for investing in tools that improve situational awareness, coordination during incidents, and operational efficiency.
Two Funding Paths: State and Local Allocations
The Byrne JAG program distributes funding through both state-level allocations and direct local jurisdiction allocations.
State Formula Funding
State Byrne JAG funding is awarded to state governments, which then distribute funding across state-level initiatives and local programs. These funds are often used to support:
Statewide technology systems
Multi-jurisdiction information sharing
Public safety technology modernization
Task forces and investigative programs
Regional public safety coordination initiatives
State-administered Byrne JAG funds frequently support programs that benefit multiple agencies or entire regions, including shared technology platforms and statewide public safety infrastructure.
Local Formula Funding
The Local Byrne JAG program provides direct funding allocations to cities and counties based on population and crime statistics.
Local jurisdictions often use these funds to support projects such as:
Investigative technology and digital tools
Crime analysis and intelligence capabilities
Equipment and operational support for law enforcement
Technology upgrades that improve public safety operations
Because these funds are allocated directly to jurisdictions, agencies often have flexibility to prioritize projects that address their specific operational needs.
Technology and Operational Capabilities Supported by Byrne JAG
Many agencies use Byrne JAG funding to invest in technology and systems that help improve day-to-day operations as well as response to major incidents.
Examples of technology and programs supported through Byrne JAG include:
Public Safety Technology Systems
Data integration and information-sharing systems
Digital evidence and investigative management tools
Crime analysis and intelligence platforms
Drone / UAS Programs
Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs
Drone equipment and operational software
Training and operational support for drone units
Counter-UAS capabilities
Incident Coordination and Emergency Response
Disaster response and preparedness tools
Technology supporting large-scale event management
Investigative and Detection Capabilities
Automated license plate recognition (ALPR)
Gunshot acoustic detection systems
Video integration and monitoring tools
Investigative analytics and intelligence platforms
Across the country, agencies are increasingly investing in technology that helps teams see what is happening in real time, communicate across agencies, and coordinate response efforts during complex incidents.
Key Application Deadlines
Agencies planning to pursue FY25 Byrne JAG funding should note the following deadlines:
Grants.gov Deadline: April 21, 2026
JustGrants Deadline: April 28, 2026
Because Byrne JAG is a formula-based program, many jurisdictions already know their approximate allocation and can begin planning projects now.
Additional Resources
Agencies interested in learning more about the FY25 Byrne JAG program can review the official funding overviews below:
Byrne JAG State Formula Overview
https://www.ojp.gov/funding/docs/bja-2025-172541.pdf
Byrne JAG Local Formula Overview
https://www.ojp.gov/funding/docs/bja-2025-172542.pdf
These resources provide additional detail on eligibility, funding allocations, and how jurisdictions can use Byrne JAG funds to support technology, equipment, and operational improvements.
For agencies evaluating projects related to real-time operational awareness, secure communications, drone/DFR programs, ALPR, or gunshot acoustic detection, the LeoSight team is always happy to share examples of how other departments are using these capabilities to strengthen day-to-day operations and incident response.
If you would like to discuss ideas or explore potential grant-supported initiatives, please feel free to reach out to the LeoSight team at info@leosight.com or request a demo here.
