Leveraging Grant Funding for ALPR Technology

Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology enhances investigations and can accelerate case closures by finding vehicle leads. By providing real-time vehicle alerts and historical data and checking hot lists, ALPR systems help officers quickly identify vehicles of interest. The AI-driven ALPR technology of PlateRanger™ powered by Rekor® with advanced vehicle recognition, capturing detailed data on vehicle make, model, color, and direction of travel, and the license plate.

Despite the many benefits of ALPR systems, funding can be a significant hurdle. Limited budgets and competing priorities can make it difficult for agencies looking to adopt or expand their existing ALPR technology. While grants can provide the initial funding for ALPR implementation, another challenge looms in securing long-term funding for system maintenance. Many agencies rely on federal, state, and local funding sources, including grants, to initially fund and sustain their ALPR programs.

Watch the “Leveraging Grant Funding for ALPR Technology” Webinar

Grant Funding for ALPR

The webinar discussed several funding sources for ALPR Technology including the following:

• • Federal Grants: DOJ, DOT, HUD, DHS
    • DOJ: Community Policing Development Grants, Smart Policing Grants, Crime Gun Intelligence Center funding.
    • DHS: Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), Homeland Security Grant Program, Tribal Security Grants.
    • HUD: Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).
    • Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) & Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA): Grants for safety, transportation, and economic development.
  • State and Local Grants:
    • State-administered public safety and transportation grants.
    • Police department budgets and asset forfeiture funds.
  • Alternative Funding Sources:
    • Earmarks and Congressional Appropriations Requests.
    • Private foundations, local businesses, universities, and healthcare organizations.
    • Public-private partnerships.
  • Securing Earmarks for ALPR Projects
    • Members of Congress allocate earmarks for community projects.
    • The process requires early engagement and proposal submission to be considered among the top 15 projects per district.

Grant Application Tips

To maximize the chances of securing grant funding, agencies should clearly define their project goals and demonstrate the community impact of ALPR technology. Identifying multiple funding sources is crucial for long-term sustainability, while engaging local stakeholders and building strong partnerships can strengthen the grant application.

Working with grant experts helps craft a compelling proposal, and early registration on federal grant platforms ensures agencies are prepared when opportunities arise. Additionally, scheduling pre-application meetings with funding agencies can provide valuable insights and improve the likelihood of success.

Download and view the Grant Preparation Checklist

Key Webinar Takeaways

Some participant questions addressed concerns about funding accessibility, sustainability, and eligibility. Panelists reassured small and rural departments that DOJ and state grants are available specifically for their needs. Additionally, agencies already using ALPR technology but dissatisfied with their current system were advised that they could still qualify for new grant funding to replace outdated solutions.

Securing ongoing funding for ALPR solutions was also a concern. The panelists discussed pursuing multi-year grants and blending multiple funding sources to sustain ALPR programs in the long term. Tribal communities and private organizations were also discussed, with recommendations to partner with public agencies to access federal grant funding.

Download the eBook ” Securing Grant Funding for Public Safety Technology” for more detailed grant funding information, strategies, insights, and resources.

SoundThinking Can Help

ALPR technology is a valuable force multiplier for law enforcement, but its effectiveness depends on securing sustainable funding. Agencies must explore multiple funding sources, including federal, state, local, and private options, to cover both initial implementation costs and ongoing expenses. Earmarks and federal grants play a crucial role in financing ALPR programs, but they are time-sensitive and require early engagement and strategic planning to secure.

SoundThinking offers free consultation and support from federal funding experts to help agencies navigate the grant application process. The team assists in identifying appropriate grants, writing strong applications, and securing political support to improve the chances of success. Additionally, SoundThinking can work with the agency to help provide customized funding reports tailored to each agency’s location and specific needs.

Interested in the PlateRanger ALPR solution or other SoundThinking solutions? Let us help your agency identify and maximize funding opportunities.

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