Public Safety & Criminal Justice on March 12, 2026

The Boston City Council's Public Safety & Criminal Justice Committee held a hearing on March 12, 2026, focused on addressing the issue of drink spiking and drug-facilitated sexual assault in the city, particularly in nightlife settings. The meeting included public testimony from survivors and advocates, as well as presentations from Boston Police Department officials, the Mayor's Office of Consumer Affairs and Licensing, and the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. Discussions centered on challenges in evidence collection, especially toxicology testing, the need for improved protocols and training for nightlife establishments, and ongoing public awareness campaigns. The council also highlighted legislative efforts at the state level, including Senate Bill 1537, aimed at standardizing care and response for victims. While no specific procurement or contract awards were discussed, the meeting emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration, training initiatives, and resource allocation to enhance prevention and survivor support ahead of major city events like Saint Patrick's Day.