Ways & Means FY27 Budget: BPD, Revolving Funds on May 7, 2026 at 10:00am

The Boston City Council held a Ways & Means FY27 budget hearing on May 7, 2026, focusing on the Boston Police Department (BPD) and police revolving funds. The meeting included detailed discussions on the FY27 operating budget for BPD, emphasizing personnel costs, overtime spending, staffing levels, and community policing efforts. Police leadership highlighted efforts to reduce overtime through improved staffing deployment and supervision, noting a 22% decrease in overtime hours compared to the previous year. The council addressed challenges such as recruitment, retention, and the impact of retirements, with current sworn vacancies at approximately 153 officers and 94 civilian vacancies. The hearing also covered the department's preparations for the upcoming FIFA event, including plans to address human trafficking and public safety concerns. Community policing strategies, mental health crisis response, and the role of specialized teams like the NEST and CIT were discussed, alongside concerns raised by councilors and public testimony about conditions in neighborhoods like Nubian Square and Mass and Cass. Budgetary questions included the allocation for the Bureau of Intelligence and Analysis (BRIC), external grant funding, and contractual spending reductions. The meeting concluded with plans for a follow-up hearing focused specifically on police overtime and staffing issues.