The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program is the largest source of federal criminal justice funding in the United States. Each year, the Department of Justice (DOJ) allocates hundreds of millions of dollars to state, tribal, and local governments to improve public safety, strengthen law enforcement, and enhance community outcomes.
In August 2025, the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) clarified new guidance: Byrne JAG funds may now be used to purchase American-made drones, provided agencies complete the DOJ certification and approval process.
For law enforcement leaders and grant administrators, this update creates a direct pathway to secure federal dollars for NDAA-compliant, U.S. manufactured drones—a capability that many agencies have needed but struggled to fund.
What Is the Byrne JAG Program?
The Byrne JAG program is DOJ’s primary funding vehicle for criminal justice initiatives. It supports a wide range of priorities, including:
- Law enforcement equipment and technology
- Prosecution and court programs
- Prevention and education initiatives
- Corrections and community corrections
- Crime victim and witness support
With the latest BJA guidance, drones are now explicitly recognized as an allowable JAG purchase, provided they meet American-made and DOJ compliance standards.
New JAG Guidance on Drone Funding
Until recently, it was unclear whether drones could be purchased with JAG funds. The August 2025 update made it explicit:
- Eligible platforms: Only American-made, DOJ-approved drones qualify.
- Certification required: Agencies must submit the UAS certification form and receive written approval before using funds.
- Procurement standards: All purchases must comply with federal and DOJ procurement rules.
This update gives agencies confidence that drone programs are not only eligible but also fully aligned with DOJ funding priorities.
Why JAG Drone Funding Matters for Law Enforcement
For agencies working with constrained budgets, drones often remain “nice to have” instead of mission-essential. With JAG funding, that changes.
“Through my involvement with drones in law enforcement, I have found that one of the biggest challenges facing agencies is securing funding. Smaller departments have the same responsibility to protect the public as larger ones, but with far fewer resources. Drones provide these agencies with the ability to safely monitor critical situations and accurately document incidents. JAG funding gives smaller agencies the opportunity to obtain this valuable tool, helping them enhance public safety despite limited budgets.” — Randy O'Hanlon, Captain. Field Application Specialist and Active Law Enforcement.
Drones directly support law enforcement goals that JAG prioritizes, including:
Officer Safety
Provide real-time situational awareness before officers enter high-risk environments.
Community Safety & De-escalation
Reduce risks to bystanders and improve decision-making during critical incidents.
Search and Rescue
Locate missing persons faster, with less manpower and fewer resources.
Evidence Collection
Capture crime scenes, traffic accidents, and large-scale events with aerial documentation.
Force Multiplication
Extend officer effectiveness without increasing staffing levels.
By aligning with these priorities, drone programs are now federally recognized as essential tools for public safety.
Steps to Access Byrne JAG Funding for Drones
Agencies can follow a clear path to secure and use JAG funding for American-made drones:
- Apply for Byrne JAG Funding
Submit your application through the DOJ’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP). Allocations vary by state and locality. - Review BJA UAS Guidance
Understand requirements and allowable purchases for drones under JAG. - Submit the Certification Form
Agencies must complete and submit the UAS certification form to BJA. Written approval is required prior to purchase. - Procure American-Made Drones
Once approved, agencies can procure drones. Working with UVT ensures DOJ compliance, efficient procurement, and long-term support.
American-Made Drones Eligible Under JAG Funding
UVT provides American-made, NDAA-compliant drones that meet DOJ and BJA requirements. These platforms are proven for law enforcement operations:
“Over the last few years, we’ve seen major advancements in American-made drone platforms and DOJ-compliant payloads. Solutions like the Freefly Astro, Inspired Flight IF800 Tomcat, and Vantage Vesper give agencies solid, reliable alternatives when country of origin is a priority. These aircraft are designed with public safety missions in mind and provide agencies with options they can trust.”— Travis Rozeboom, UVT Field Applications Specialist & 18 year Active Law Enforcement Veteran", Specializing in sUAS Operations and Training.
Freefly Astro
A U.S.-engineered, NDAA-compliant drone designed for aerial data capture, tactical overwatch, and public safety missions. Built tough for diverse field conditions.
Inspired Flight IF800 Tomcat
Manufactured in the U.S., the IF800 Tomcat offers endurance, flexible payload options, and adaptability for tactical deployments, SAR, and evidence collection.
Vantage Vesper
Compact, quiet, and American-made, the Vesper provides extended flight time and exceptional imaging quality—ideal for tactical response and discreet surveillance.
Each of these drones is fully supported by UVT with consultation, training, and lifecycle management services.
Why Law Enforcement Agencies Choose UVT
Navigating federal grants can be complex, but UVT provides more than hardware. We’re a trusted integrator helping agencies align technology with funding opportunities.
- End-to-End Support: From grant navigation to deployment, UVT covers compliance, procurement, training, and lifecycle services.
- Always On: Our commitment to lifecycle support ensures your drone program never goes offline.
- Proven Partner: We’ve guided thousands of agencies nationwide in building drone programs funded through federal and state grants.
- Compliant Solutions: Our American-made platforms align with DOJ’s updated guidance and JAG eligibility requirements.
With UVT, agencies don’t just buy drones—they build sustainable, federally supported programs that deliver real-world results.
Key DOJ Resources
Conclusion: Federal Dollars, Local Impact
The DOJ’s Byrne JAG program now allows law enforcement agencies to fund American-made drones with federal resources. For administrators managing tight budgets, this change provides a direct path to modernizing operations while staying compliant with DOJ guidance.
UVT is here to help your agency navigate the process, secure funding, and deploy American-made drones that strengthen both officer safety and community trust.
Contact UVT today to learn how Byrne JAG grants can fund your drone program.