Building A Public Safety Anchor Institution A Comprehensive Guide for Leaders
Overview
Keeping communities safe is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of government. Yet the challenges affecting public safety are complex and interconnected, extending beyond what any single agency or intervention can address. Violence, behavioral health crises, housing and economic insecurity, and other community needs often require multidisciplinary approaches. This requires a public safety system that can respond to immediate emergencies while also addressing the conditions that contribute to the revolving door of harm and instability.
One model for achieving this is a Public Safety Anchor Institution (PSAI)—a government agency, department, or office responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing a jurisdiction’s comprehensive public safety strategy. A PSAI complements traditional public safety institutions, such as police and fire departments, by providing dedicated leadership for the broader network of services that contribute to community safety. PSAIs can help governments align policy, funding, training, and operations; coordinate agencies and community partners; and establish the structures necessary to sustain effective approaches over time.
This four part guide provides local leaders with the tools they need to implement a PSAI in their community.