Total United States budget on Policing in one year Researched by Abiodun Mohammed Adeyemi Ajijola Wednesday, 22nd April 2026

Total United States budget on Policing in one year

Researched by Abiodun Mohammed Adeyemi Ajijola 

Wednesday, 22nd April 2026

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Based on data from fiscal year 2021, the total United States budget on policing and prisons (including federal, state, and local governments) is at least $277 billion. 

Here is a breakdown of the spending based on recent available data:

• Total Federal, State, and Local Spending: At least $277,153,670,501.
• Federal Spending (FY2021): Federal law enforcement and prisons totaled $71,931,937,501.
• State and Local Spending: Based on data up to 2019, state and local funding obligated toward police and prisons was over $205 billion, a figure that has been on an upward trajectory.
• Daily Cost: The U.S. spends approximately $759 million per day on police and prisons. 

Key Context:

• Local Dominance: Policing is primarily a local service, with city and county governments accounting for a significant portion of the total expenditure.
• Growth in Spending: The total, including corrections, has been described as higher than the military budget of some major nations, with police spending having risen 141% on average between 1986 and 2013.
• 1033 Program: The federal government also transfers military equipment to state and local police, with a value of over $186 million in FY2021. 

Impact Report: State and Local Budgets

31 Jul 2020 — Focusing on the first three Cs (cops, courts and corrections), state and local governments spent over $240 billion on these services in 2017 (the most recent ye...

Council on Criminal Justice