Open Data Standards for Public Safety Budgets

Fundurado Editorial · Updated 2025-11-26

Open data standards make it easier to compare budgets across jurisdictions and over time. For police and public safety budgets, that means publishing data in consistent, machine-readable formats.

What good open data looks like

Data should be downloadable in common formats, include clear documentation, and avoid unnecessary redactions.

Standard fields and codes

Using common categories, codes, and time periods lets tools like Fundurado connect data from multiple cities or states.

Licensing and reuse

Open licenses that permit reuse and analysis encourage journalists, researchers, and developers to build on top of the data.

Practical starting points

Cities can begin with a simple spreadsheet export and improve structure over time, especially when they see real demand from the public.