The Official Opposition at city hall is demanding an impartial inquiry after a fourth Montreal police officer was suspended in connection with allegations of racial profiling by a group of officers in Montréal-Nord borough. Police Chief Fady Dagher disclosed in June that 16 officers at Station 39 were under investigation for purportedly engaging in racist and offensive acts against Black and Arab individuals during police stops. Consequently, Dagher disbanded the 16-member patrol.
In a news release on Wednesday, Ericka Alneus, the interim leader of Projet Montréal, emphasized the necessity for an independent investigation in light of these recent developments. Alneus stated, “The incidents at Station 39 in Montréal-Nord last June severely damaged public confidence in the police force, which remains crucial.” She added, “However, tangible steps must be taken to restore public trust — starting with an independent investigation and a halt to police street checks.”
Quebec Domestic Security Minister Ian Lafrenière announced in June that an independent observer would oversee the Montreal police investigation, with the possibility of a public inquiry if required. This announcement followed Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada’s support for an independent investigation into the allegations.
Martinez Ferrada assured that Montreal residents would receive the truth about the accusations and pledged to collaborate with the Quebec government to expedite the deployment of body-worn cameras for police officers.
The suspension of the fourth officer took effect on August 19, as confirmed by a news release from the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) on Tuesday afternoon. The SPVM stated that the officer’s alleged misconduct occurred while working in the dissolved unit from June. The ongoing investigation is being conducted with transparency, and the SPVM has committed to updating the public on its progress.
In an internal message to the police force on June 19, Dagher announced that apart from the initial three suspended officers, the remaining officers under investigation were reassigned to administrative duties or transferred to different units within the department. Dagher also mentioned the possibility of criminal charges being filed against some of the officers in June.