Public Safety & Criminal Justice on April 13, 2026

The Boston City Council's Public Safety & Criminal Justice Committee held a hearing on April 13, 2026, focusing on several grant awards and funding authorizations for the Boston Police Department. Key procurement discussions included acceptance and expenditure of a $577,500 FY25 Port Security Grant from the Department of Homeland Security to purchase a new 31-foot Life Proof boat, replace engines on existing boats, and fund ice rescue training. Additionally, a significant $10.9 million FY26 Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS) grant was awarded to enhance the department's drone detection, identification, tracking, and mitigation capabilities, including procurement of multi-layered CUAS systems and associated training and personnel costs. The committee also reviewed a $150,000 VAWA grant to support domestic violence advocates. Councilors discussed the operational use, oversight, and privacy considerations of the new drone technology, as well as the importance of interagency collaboration for port security and public safety. The meeting included detailed presentations on grant-funded equipment purchases, training initiatives, and community safety programs, with council members expressing support for the grants and emphasizing the need for continued funding and transparency.