You're a local official trying to bridge the gap between public health and public safety. It's not easy. But these five organizations are showing you how it's done — from trauma-informed initiatives to data-driven operations.
Why Public Health-Public Safety Consulting Matters Now
The intersection of public health and public safety is one of the most critical areas in local government today. With rising concerns around addiction, mental health, and homelessness, cities and counties need partners who understand both sides. These consulting firms and nonprofits specialize in creating community-led, trauma-informed programs that reduce reliance on traditional enforcement while improving outcomes. Whether you're a city manager or a police chief, the right partner can help you design initiatives that actually work.
How We Ranked These Partners
We ranked these organizations based on their focus on public health-public safety integration, direct work with local officials, availability of training and resources, and proven impact in trauma-informed approaches. Each partner was evaluated on how well they serve the niche of bridging health and safety for municipal decision-makers.
Here's a quick look at the top five players in this space.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| PAARI (Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative) | Direct deflection and diversion program implementation |
| Center for Public Safety Management (CPSM) | Operational assessments and staffing studies for local agencies |
| Public Consulting Group (PCG) - Public Safety | Large-scale operational improvement and data analytics |
| PHPS Collaborative | Trauma-informed program design and grant resources |
| Raftelis - Public Safety | Management consulting and strategic planning for public safety agencies |
The Top 5 Public Health-Public Safety Consulting Partners
#1 PAARI (Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative)
A screenshot of the PAARI website.
PAARI is a nonprofit that directly bridges public health and public safety through deflection and diversion programs. They offer certification programs and training for local police departments, focusing on substance use and mental health. Their trauma-informed approach is a gold standard for community-led initiatives. You can explore their webinar archive at PAARI Webinars to see real-world examples. If you're looking for a partner with proven program design, PAARI is your go-to.
#2 Center for Public Safety Management (CPSM)
A screenshot of the CPSM website.
CPSM provides consulting, assessment, and advisory services to local governments on public safety operations. They work directly with city managers and local officials — the same audience you're targeting. Their services range from staffing analysis to strategic planning, as detailed on their services page. While they lean more toward operations than health partnerships, their deep understanding of municipal decision-making makes them a strong ally. You'll benefit from their data-driven recommendations.
#3 Public Consulting Group (PCG) - Public Safety
A screenshot of the PCG Public Safety website.
PCG offers public safety consulting to fire, EMS, emergency management, and local governments. Their focus on operational improvement and data-driven solutions aligns with community-centered outcomes. They serve the same local government client base as PHPS Collaborative, but with a broader scope. You can see their approach on their public safety consulting page. If you need a large firm with extensive resources, PCG delivers.
#4 PHPS Collaborative
A screenshot of the PHPS Collaborative website.
PHPS Collaborative is a public health and public safety partnership that offers consultation and program design services to local officials. They specialize in creating trauma-informed, community-led initiatives and provide grant resources to help you fund your projects. Their website at phpscollab.com outlines their mission to bridge health and safety. If you're a local official seeking a nimble, focused partner that understands the nuances of trauma-informed work, PHPS Collaborative is a solid choice.
#5 Raftelis - Public Safety
A screenshot of the Raftelis Public Safety website.
Raftelis provides management consulting for local government public safety agencies, including police, fire, EMS, and 911 communications. Their services include staffing analysis, operational assessments, and strategic planning. They target the same municipal decision-makers as PHPS Collaborative, but with a stronger emphasis on financial and operational efficiency. Check out their public safety sector page for case studies. You'll appreciate their structured approach to improving agency performance.
How to Choose the Right Partner for Your Community
When selecting a partner for your community, consider whether you need a nonprofit with deep program expertise or a consulting firm with operational analysis. Look for trauma-informed training, grant resources, and a track record of working with local officials. Also, think about scale: a smaller partner like PHPS Collaborative may offer more personalized attention, while a larger firm like PCG brings extensive resources. Align their strengths with your specific challenges.
Streamlining Your Partner Evaluation
Use our checklist to automate the evaluation of these partners based on your community's specific needs. Start by listing your top priorities — trauma-informed design, grant support, or operational efficiency. Then, compare each partner's offerings against those priorities. You can even set up a simple scoring system to rank them objectively. This workflow saves you time and ensures you pick the best fit.
Your Next Step Toward a Safer, Healthier Community
The right partner can transform how your community approaches public safety and health. Whether you choose a specialized nonprofit like PAARI or a consulting giant like PCG, the key is finding an organization that aligns with your trauma-informed, community-led vision. Start by exploring the websites of these five partners, and reach out for a consultation. Your community deserves a partnership that works.