Boston, October 25, 2025
News Summary
As Halloween approaches, Boston police are alerting college students and the public about the risks of drugged drinks at parties and gatherings. They emphasize the importance of safety precautions, such as keeping drinks close and only accepting beverages from trusted sources. The department encourages immediate reporting of any suspected incidents and will boost police patrols around college campuses during the Halloween weekend to ensure safety.
Boston — Boston police are issuing a warning to college students and others as Halloween approaches. The warning focuses on the dangers of drugged drinks and urges caution at parties, bars, and other social gatherings. Authorities advise simple preventive steps, encourage immediate reporting of suspected incidents, and will increase patrols around college campuses in the days following Halloween.
Key details
Boston police are issuing a warning to college students and others as Halloween approaches. The warning focuses on the dangers of drugged drinks. Local law enforcement says community members should take precautions to reduce the risk of drink tampering and to look out for people who may be in danger.
Immediate safety guidance
Safety tips provided by the Boston Police Department include:
- Always keeping drinks with you.
- Covering drinks when possible.
- Accepting drinks only from trusted sources, such as bartenders, servers, or friends.
When to call for help
Individuals who believe they have been victims of drugged drinks or who see someone in distress are urged to call 911 immediately. The department reiterates that quick reporting can help secure medical attention and preserve evidence.
Community alertness and enforcement
The police department emphasizes the principle of “if you see something, say something.” To support safety during the Halloween period, extra police patrols will be present around college campuses throughout the weekend following Halloween. Extra police patrols will be present around college campuses throughout the weekend following Halloween.
Supporting details
The public advisory is targeted at college students but is also directed at anyone attending Halloween events where alcohol is served or where social gatherings include unfamiliar people. Police stress that casual social settings can present opportunities for drink tampering, and they encourage attendees to remain cautious, travel in groups where possible, and ensure friends look out for each other.
Bars and event hosts are reminded to follow safe serving practices, monitor patrons for signs of distress, and intervene or call for emergency assistance if someone appears disoriented, overly sedated, or unable to respond. The department did not release arrest totals or specific incident figures in the advisory.
Practical precautions
Practical steps to reduce risk include keeping beverages within arm’s reach, using a drink cover or lid when available, avoiding leaving drinks unattended, and declining open-source beverages from people you do not know. When accepting a drink at a bar or event, accept it directly from a server or bartender or watch the drink being prepared.
If someone shows sudden behavioral changes, slurred speech, difficulty standing, confusion, or unusual sleepiness after consuming a drink, treat the situation as potentially serious and contact emergency services without delay.
Background
Police advisories around major holidays and large social events are common as authorities aim to prevent incidents tied to alcohol and drug use. Public safety campaigns typically combine preventive advice, increased patrol presence, and instructions for reporting emergencies to reduce harm and ensure rapid response when incidents occur.
FAQ
What are Boston police warning about?
Boston police are issuing a warning to college students and others as Halloween approaches.
What does the warning focus on?
The warning focuses on the dangers of drugged drinks.
What safety tips did the Boston Police Department provide?
Safety tips provided by the Boston Police Department include:
- Always keeping drinks with you.
- Covering drinks when possible.
- Accepting drinks only from trusted sources, such as bartenders, servers, or friends.
What should individuals do if they suspect an incident?
Individuals who believe they have been victims of drugged drinks or who see someone in distress are urged to call 911 immediately.
What broader message is the department emphasizing?
The police department emphasizes the principle of “if you see something, say something.”
Will there be increased police presence?
Extra police patrols will be present around college campuses throughout the weekend following Halloween.
Quick reference: What to do and who to contact
| Situation | Recommended action | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Suspect your drink was tampered with | Stop drinking, seek help from a trusted person, and call 911 immediately. | 911 |
| Someone appears disoriented or unresponsive | Stay with the person, monitor breathing, and call 911 immediately. | 911 |
| Picking up drinks at a bar or event | Accept drinks only from trusted sources, such as bartenders, servers, or friends. | Follow venue staff instructions |
| General precautions | Always keep drinks with you and cover drinks when possible; travel with friends and look out for each other. | Local police non-emergency number for non-urgent concerns |
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Additional Resources
- Boston.com
- Wikipedia: Drugged Drinks
- WBUR News
- Google Search: Halloween Drink Tampering
- Massachusetts State Police
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alcohol
- NPR News
- Google News: Boston Police Halloween Warning
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