— For Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Tury Research Consulting conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the Equitable Approaches to Public Safety (EAPS) program, a Massachusetts initiative aimed at transforming public safety through community-based, health-centered responses. The evaluation assessed program implementation across six municipalities and provided a detailed logic model, performance indicators, and a five-year evaluation roadmap.

Key Findings: 

• Traditional policing is inadequate for addressing mental health, substance use, and homelessness, the issues that disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
• EAPS programs serve over 340,000 residents, with a focus on racial and health equity.
• Municipalities implemented diverse models, including public health-based, police-based, and co-response strategies, with varying levels of success.

Recommendations:

• Tailored strategies for each municipality, emphasizing data-driven decision-making, community engagement, and culturally responsive services.
• Development of a unified data and management platform to improve service tracking and evaluation.
  
• A five-year evaluation plan incorporating process, outcome, impact, and cost-effectiveness assessment.
  
• Options for future funding scenarios, including program continuation, restructuring, or re-issuance with revised criteria.
  

Impact: