About Civic Safety Advisors
Strategic advisors helping organizations coordinate public safety resources with private security investments.
Our Mission
Civic Safety Advisors was founded with a singular purpose: to help mission-driven organizations navigate the intersection between public safety resources and private security investments. Houses of worship, schools, and community organizations deserve strategic guidance that respects their mission, budget reality, and relationship with local public safety agencies.
We believe that effective security begins with coordination, not equipment. Our mission is to provide judgment on what public resources can already provide, when private investment makes sense, and how to avoid duplication, gaps, and wasted spend.
Seth Hershman
Founder & Principal Advisor
Seth Hershman brings a unique combination of law enforcement experience, emergency management policy expertise, and practical security operations to Civic Safety Advisors. His background positions him to navigate the complex intersection between public safety resources and private security needs.
As a Senior Policy Advisor with the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), Seth developed and implemented comprehensive emergency management strategies for religious institutions, academic organizations, and community entities. He fostered collaborative relationships between government agencies and mission-driven organizations, focusing on practical safety measures that respect institutional culture and budget constraints.
Prior to his policy work, Seth served with the Yale University Police Department for over six years, advancing from patrol officer to detective. This operational experience included emergency response, community policing, comprehensive investigations, and working directly with diverse institutional populations. He understands both the tactical realities of security operations and the importance of maintaining welcoming environments.
Seth holds a Master of Science in Investigations from the University of New Haven (2024) and maintains a Federal Firearms License (FFL 08), providing deep expertise in regulatory compliance, vendor sourcing, and security coordination.
Through Civic Safety Advisors, Seth focuses on helping organizations leverage existing public safety resources effectively before recommending private security investments—ensuring every dollar spent on security genuinely reduces risk rather than duplicating services already available.
Our Approach
We follow a proven methodology that ensures practical, actionable results for every client we serve.
Listen & Understand
Every organization is unique. We start by understanding your mission, culture, concerns, and constraints.
Coordinate & Assess
We evaluate your relationship with public safety agencies first, then assess policies, physical security, and preparedness to identify what requires investment and what doesn't.
Recommend & Prioritize
We deliver clear, actionable recommendations prioritized by risk level and budget considerations.
Implement & Train
We don't just advise—we help you implement changes and train your people to maintain security long-term.
Partner & Support
Security is ongoing. We remain available to support your organization as needs evolve.
Why Choose Civic Safety Advisors
We bring specialized expertise, practical experience, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing mission-driven organizations.
Specialized Focus
We work exclusively with houses of worship, schools, and public organizations—not corporate clients seeking different outcomes.
Practical Experience
Our recommendations are grounded in real-world experience, not theoretical frameworks.
Budget-Conscious Solutions
We understand nonprofit and public organization budgets. You get judgment on what not to buy, what public resources can handle, and where investment actually reduces risk.
Compliance Knowledge
We stay current on state licensing requirements, regulatory standards, and best practices.
Training Excellence
Our training programs are designed for non-security professionals—your staff, volunteers, and safety team members.
Partnership Approach
We don't just hand you a report and leave. We partner with you to implement changes, train your teams, and build lasting security culture.
Let's Discuss Your Security Needs
Schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help protect your organization.