In an effort to transform its organizational culture, the Montreal police service has introduced a comprehensive action plan to rebuild public trust and combat discrimination after reports of racial profiling by a group of officers in the city’s northern region.
The response plan includes immediate disciplinary measures and long-term oversight, focusing on transparent communication and shared accountability with local residents. The announcement was made during a public meeting with the city’s public security commission at city hall on Tuesday evening, drawing a significant turnout of residents eager to hear Chief Fady Dagher address the controversy and advocate for change.
The allegations of racial profiling involving 16 officers at Station 39 in Montreal-Nord were brought to light in June, prompting Dagher to disclose the investigation into racist and hateful incidents targeting Black and Arab individuals during police stops. Consequently, Dagher disbanded the 16-member patrol following the revelations, which originated from reports by colleagues of the implicated officers.
As of the latest update, three officers have been suspended, with the investigation ongoing, and the most recent suspension occurring on June 18. A key component of the police service’s new approach is encouraging both internal and external whistleblowing to uncover misconduct.
Officials from the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) underscored that forthcoming policy revisions will be developed in collaboration with local stakeholders and community groups.
During the public meeting, Dagher acknowledged the challenging and lengthy process of instituting change, emphasizing the ongoing work required to address the situation. Attendees raised various concerns, not only regarding alleged racism but also regarding expenditures on defending the police service against misconduct allegations.
Dagher clarified that disbanding the unit did not equate to implicating all 16 officers in misconduct, stressing that the internal investigation is still ongoing. He also mentioned that the dismantled unit was one of seven groups operating in shifts at the station, with a new team deployed on July 13 to replace it.
The allegations have reignited existing worries about racism and racial profiling in Montreal-Nord, prompting residents to call for more information on the investigation. Advocates highlighted longstanding complaints of racial profiling and problematic interactions with the police, urging for tangible change.
Dagher expressed empathy for community members feeling fearful while highlighting the concrete steps being taken to enhance the situation, including ongoing criminal investigations and suspensions. He reiterated the commitment to progress and emphasized the collaborative efforts being made to address systemic issues within the police service.
Anick Cantin, a spokesperson for the prosecutor, mentioned that no request has been filed by the police to initiate criminal proceedings against the officers involved in the reported incidents. Dagher assured the public of close collaboration with Quebec’s Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions in tackling racial profiling and discrimination, portraying it as a gradual but necessary process moving in a positive direction.