Montreal police are grappling with one of the most serious racism scandals in the force’s recent history, prompting an internal crackdown and a referral to prosecutors.
Two officers from a Montreal North patrol unit have been suspended while 14 others have been reassigned or relocated pending the outcome of an internal investigation, Fady Dagher, chief of the Montreal police, announced at a late-night press conference Friday. One file has been referred to Quebec prosecutors for review, he added.
The force launched an internal probe in March after receiving information about “unacceptable behaviour” involving members of a patrol team based at Station 39 in Montreal North, Dagher said.
The officers under scrutiny are said to be predominantly young male constables with three to four years of experience.
Investigators are examining claims that Black people and individuals of Arab origin were disproportionately targeted in the district’s diverse neighbourhoods. Some officers are alleged to have made racist remarks, according to witness testimony gathered during the probe.
Members of the group also allegedly collected pieces of locs (also called dreadlocks) – cut from apprehended men – and kept the hair as trophies, according to reports by La Presse and Radio-Canada.
Dagher declined to confirm or deny the allegation Friday night but added that the hair cutting is part of the investigation and therefore could not be commented on at this time.
“The SPVM reiterates that racism, discrimination or any other unacceptable behaviour is not tolerated within the organization,” Dagher said.
He praised officers who came forward with information that triggered the investigation.
“While this situation is deeply troubling, the SPVM acknowledges the courage of the police officers who reported the facts and those who conducted the investigation.”
Asked why he was holding a press conference at 10.30 p.m. on a Friday, Dagher said the officers had only been suspended earlier that evening and could only announce the suspension/relocation after it happened.
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada released a statement late Friday saying she had been briefed by the police chief on the situation.
“An investigation is underway, and we will await its results,” she said.
“I immediately contacted the Minister of Public Security. We agreed to work together to expedite the implementation of body cameras within the Montreal Police Service.
“Any form of racial profiling or violence is unacceptable,” she said.
Ian Lafrenière, Quebec’s Public Security Minister, said in a statement on X that the allegations were “completely unacceptable and shocking.” He said he had offered his support to police and the mayor.
“What reassures me is that it was police officers themselves who reported these actions. Quebec’s Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions is now reviewing the case, and criminal charges could be laid.
“I have confidence in the work that is underway. I will follow this case very closely and ensure that everything is put in place to shed light on the events.”
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I’ve been writing for the Montreal Gazette since 2023. My favourite stories are ones that make you think and I’m always looking for new ways to tell them. At McGill, I studied economics and computer science. Now I live in the city’s Plateau, where I wear Doc Martens to try and blend in among the hipsters. Got a story? Email me.
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