Black employees of the Montreal police force have sent a letter to management saying some have concerns about going to work after the dismantling of a patrol unit over serious allegations of racist misconduct.
The letter — sent by the Regroupement des Employés Noirs et Afro-descendants du SPVM (RENA) — was dated June 14, two days after senior police officials held a late evening news conference announcing they had suspended two officers and reassigned 14 others over allegations of racism.
SPVM Chief Fady Dagher said on June 12 that the investigation began in March after information was provided by fellow officers.
“Silence does not build trust. Protecting those who speak out does,” the employees wrote in the internal letter sent to the police service’s deputy director Marc Charbonneau.
The Black employees say they’ve been told about efforts to identify whistleblowers in some units and that they are afraid of reprisals for having the “courage to denounce disgraceful conduct.”
“As a result, some employees of the (Montreal police) fear reprisals and in some cases, are even reluctant to go to work,” the group wrote in the letter.
CityNews has reviewed a copy of the internal letter, which was sent to the police service’s deputy director Marc Charbonneau.
“RENA wishes to reiterate that the psychological health and safety of employees must be an absolute priority,” the letter reads. “Existing mechanisms, while useful, are insufficient if the fear of reprisals persists.
“Although a whistleblowing hotline for employees has been established, we observe that this tool alone is not enough to create a climate of trust for all the employees involved. When speaking out and taking a stand becomes risky, it becomes necessary to strengthen the protection mechanisms.”
A spokesperson for Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada confirmed to CityNews the mayor is aware of the letter and “a meeting will be organized as soon as possible.”
The director of racial profiling and public safety at the Red Coalition, an anti-racism organization, called the letter “concerning.”
“We need to make sure that they’re protected and their voices are heard and that the organization be put in check in terms of, ‘we know about it and we want to make sure that these folks are provided appropriate protection,’” Alain Babineau said.
The warnings from the Black employees are coming at a time when the Quebec government is facing mounting calls to launch an independent inquiry into the police force in order to restore public trust.
Several civil rights groups and politicians have said that allegations of racism and misconduct at the department aren’t new, and urgently need to be addressed.
Hundreds of residents also rallied outside the police station at the heart of the controversy on Monday, garnering cheers of support as they marched through the multicultural neighbourhood of Montreal North.
Though the force set up a hotline for whistleblowers, the letter says it’s not enough to restore trust. They say the force must strengthen existing reporting mechanisms so that they are perceived as safe, independent and credible, and that employees can use those mechanisms without fearing personal or professional consequences.
“We are committed to contributing to efforts aimed at bringing about a change in organizational culture, with a view to fostering a better sense of community within the police force and ensuring that the service provided to the public remains true to its mission to serve and protect,” the employees wrote.
Montreal police told The Canadian Press they would try to respond to questions about the letter on Friday.
The brotherhood that represents Montreal police officers did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Montreal police chief has said two officers could face criminal charges, noting they are still investigating a series of allegations, including reports that some of the officers had cut the hair of racialized citizens to turn into “trophies.”
Former Montreal police officer André Gélinas says though he has been retired since 2019, he believes the system in place works and the force is taking the investigation seriously.
“You don’t see the police chief come out to hold a press conference at 10:30 p.m. if it’s not serious,” he said in an interview.
Protesters gather outside Montreal North’s Station 39 on Henri-Bourassa Boulevard East on June 15, 2026, during a demonstration against police racism. (CityNews)
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