‍By Jason Truppi, CTO, ForceMetrics

Securing public safety funding today is about more than finding the right grant. It’s about being ready to demonstrate what’s working, why it matters, and how resources are being used to drive results. As funding becomes more competitive, the agencies that succeed are the ones prepared to show impact, not just need.

That was the focus of our second session at IACP Tech 2025. Together with leaders like Joan Brody, who works directly with agencies to secure and sustain public safety funding, we outlined how departments can take a smarter, more strategic approach—starting with better data.

There’s Still Funding Available, but Expectations Are Higher

Despite headlines about budget cuts and freezes, public safety funding remains accessible across federal, state, and private sources. Some key programs are under pressure. Proposed FY2025 budgets include reductions to discretionary Byrne JAG funds and FEMA grants. However, opportunities are also expanding:

• The Department of Transportation’s SS4A program still has $2 billion available through 2026.
• The NIJ budget is poised for a 50% increase, with new funding for evidence-based pilots.
• States like California, Texas, and New York continue to invest in technology, staffing, and anti-violence strategies.
• The DOJ’s COPS Office recently announced $150 million in FY2025 funding to support officer hiring and community policing efforts; applications are open through July 1.
• Additional COPS Office programs are offering nearly $100 million in grants for school violence prevention, officer wellness, and innovative policing programs.
• Modernization of 911 systems continues to be a priority at both the state and federal level, with new funding opportunities emerging in 2025.

Accessing these funds requires more than filling out applications. Agencies must show they’re ready to deliver—and prove they’ve already begun doing so.

Why Precision Policing Is the Foundation for Grant Success

Precision policing isn’t just a strategy for smarter operations; it’s a framework for securing and sustaining funding, built on principles like real-time response, evidence-based decision-making, data integration, and community engagement. These capabilities give agencies the ability to track what’s happening, act with purpose, and measure results clearly—the very qualities funders now expect to see.

When you embed precision policing into how your agency operates, you’re also improving how you:

• Justify and renew grant programs
• Target and allocate resources effectively
• Reduce administrative burden with better data integration
• Monitor progress and adjust strategies through built-in feedback loops

The result is a more agile, transparent, and outcome-focused agency, one that can not only apply for funding with confidence but also demonstrate impact and ROI once that funding is awarded.

Turning Strategy Into Results with FMStat

Putting precision policing into practice requires tools that make it real-time, actionable, and measurable. That’s where FMStat comes in.

FMStat is ForceMetrics’ real-time CompStat dashboard, built to help agencies baseline key metrics, track trends, and align resource use with funding priorities. It simplifies reporting, reduces administrative overhead, and supports agencies in meeting the performance requirements tied to today’s funding programs.

FMStat also helps quantify return on investment. Agencies using the platform have reported a significant reduction in briefing prep time, saving analysts and leadership staff hours and days each week—time that can be redirected toward strategy, analysis and impact.

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As I shared at IACP:

“Precision policing doesn’t just help you lead smarter—it helps you show exactly how funding is being put to work, and why it’s worth continuing.”

When agencies have tools in place that reflect what’s happening in the field and make results visible, they’re better positioned to strengthen applications, meet compliance expectations, and build long-term funding relationships.

How Agencies Can Stay Ready in FY2025 and Beyond

At IACP Tech, we outlined three practices to help agencies navigate a changing funding landscape and build lasting support for their strategies:

• Diversify: Blend federal, state, local, and alternative sources—such as 911 funds, training budgets, private grants, or philanthropic partners—to reduce reliance on any single stream.
• Demonstrate Impact: Use quality metrics that make it easy to show operational improvements, officer safety gains, or community engagement results—whatever outcome the grant supports.
• Defend What’s Working: Build your case proactively. Don’t wait for the next grant cycle or budget conversation. Start capturing results and trends today.

At ForceMetrics, we believe the best decisions come from clear, real-time information. That mindset applies not only to field operations, but to leadership and funding strategy as well. We’re proud to work with agencies that are turning data into action and using it to drive both community outcomes and long-term sustainability.

With the right tools in place, you’re not just applying for grants. You’re showing that your agency is ready, accountable, and worth continued investment.