Ways & Means FY26 Budget: OPAT on May 18, 2026 at 10:00am

The Boston City Council's Ways & Means Committee held a hearing on May 18, 2026, to review the fiscal year 2027 operating budget for the Office of Police Accountability and Transparency (OPAT). The meeting focused extensively on OPAT's role, authority, and challenges in overseeing the Boston Police Department, including discussions about subpoena power, compliance with investigations, and the enforcement of disciplinary recommendations. Councilors and OPAT officials debated the need for ordinance amendments to establish fixed response deadlines for police commissioner actions on OPAT recommendations and to clarify OPAT's authority to access evidence such as body camera footage. The hearing also addressed concerns about the Boston Police Department's cooperation with OPAT, the backlog and handling of complaints, and the adequacy of OPAT's budget relative to police overtime spending. Public testimony highlighted the need for increased funding and respect for OPAT to enhance its effectiveness. No specific contract awards or procurement decisions were discussed, but policy and budget considerations were central to the dialogue.