Montréal-Nord: The Truth Behind the Allegations of Racism

An internal and criminal investigation targeting around fifteen officers from Station 39 of the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) has raised serious concerns regarding allegations of racist and hateful behavior during police interventions. The case, involving alleged actions toward Black and Arab citizens, has triggered numerous political reactions and reignited discussions surrounding racial profiling as well as the relationship between law enforcement and racialized communities.

According to publicly released information, several officers from Station 39 are under investigation following allegations of actions considered incompatible with police disciplinary and ethical standards. Among the reported allegations are claims that some officers allegedly cut the dreadlocks of Black men during interventions and kept the hair as “trophies.” These allegations have sparked strong outrage within several communities.

SPVM Chief Fady Dagher confirmed the opening of the investigation and explained that the seriousness of the information received required immediate action.

“Last March, we were made aware of allegations of unacceptable actions and behaviors by members of the police personnel at Station 39 in the Montréal-Nord borough,” said the SPVM chief.

According to him, the information gathered was concerning enough to immediately launch an investigation.

“The information was sufficiently concerning that we immediately launched an investigation to verify the information we had received,” he added.

The police chief stated that the allegations involved several behaviors that could represent serious breaches of officers’ professional obligations, and potentially even certain violations of the Criminal Code.

“We are talking, among other things, about allegations of misconduct during a police intervention, but also allegations of discriminatory and racist behavior toward citizens,” he explained.

Immediate Disciplinary Measures Announced

Given the seriousness of the alleged events, the SPVM announced several administrative measures to protect the integrity of the investigation. Two officers were suspended, three others were assigned administrative duties, and the remaining members of the team involved were relocated to different sectors.

“Given the seriousness of the alleged facts, in order to prevent any misconduct and to support the progress of the investigation, I made the decision to immediately suspend two police officers, move three others to administrative duties, and relocate the rest of the concerned work team to different locations,” stated Fady Dagher.

A file was also submitted to the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP) for review. However, the SPVM chief clarified that the submitted case concerned only one police intervention.

He also sought to reassure Montréal-Nord residents that police services would continue without interruption.

“I want to immediately reassure the population of Montréal-Nord regarding our service delivery. Measures have already been put in place to continue providing services to citizens without interruption or delay,” he stated.

SPVM Chief Firmly Condemns Racist Behavior

Fady Dagher reiterated that racism and discrimination have no place within the police organization.

“Since my arrival in office, I have clearly stated to my members, to the media, and to citizens that I will not tolerate any racist, discriminatory behavior or anything that simply goes against the values of our organization,” he declared.

The SPVM chief also acknowledged the personal and institutional impact of the situation.

“The situation, if confirmed, is completely unacceptable, and I will not hide the fact that it deeply shocks me,” he said.

However, he highlighted the role played by members of the service who reported the alleged misconduct.

“It is very important to emphasize that members of our organization had the courage to report the facts. Others investigated those responsible, and that led us to make the decisions I am sharing with you today,” he explained.

For him, the intervention involving this team represents a significant step toward preserving public trust.

“Intervening with a work team as we are doing tonight is a strong action, it is a unique action. I am doing it because it is necessary, because maintaining the bond of trust with all communities has always been crucial for me and for us,” declared the SPVM chief.

Strong Political Reactions

The revelations quickly triggered reactions from several Quebec elected officials.

Bourassa-Sauvé Member of the National Assembly Madwa-Nika Cadet condemned what she described as “absolutely disgusting” actions while praising the speed with which the SPVM responded. She also emphasized the importance of accelerating the implementation of body cameras for police officers.

For her part, Marie-Victorin Member of the National Assembly Shirley Dorismond stated that she was deeply affected by the allegations as a Black woman. She emphasized that such behavior would be incompatible with Quebec’s values and called for close monitoring of the investigation while protecting public confidence in institutions.

Montréal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada also reiterated that all forms of racial profiling or violence are unacceptable.

Public Security Minister Ian Lafrenière described the alleged actions as “unacceptable” and “shocking” behavior.

A Major Issue for the Relationship Between Police and Communities

This case emerges in a context where relations between police forces and certain racialized communities remain a sensitive issue, particularly in Montréal-Nord, an area where discussions surrounding racial profiling and trust in institutions have repeatedly taken place.

Beyond disciplinary measures, the case raises a fundamental question: how can lasting trust between police and the public be rebuilt when such serious allegations emerge?

The SPVM chief recalled that the organization had already implemented several initiatives aimed at fighting racism and discrimination, including an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) unit, a team of police interaction coaches working in the field, and an action plan against discrimination.

“We have tripled our internal investigation teams. This has given them more resources, but not only that. It has also allowed us to bring in new people and new perspectives,” explained Fady Dagher.

According to him, the goal is to create an environment where employees and citizens can report problematic behaviors with confidence.

“Our constant commitment since the very first day has been to fight against racism. Racism and any reprehensible behavior have no place here and will not be tolerated,” he insisted.

An Investigation That Could Mark a Turning Point

The officers involved in the investigation remain protected by the presumption of innocence. The next steps will determine the facts and establish individual responsibilities.

However, this case already represents an important moment for the SPVM as the organization seeks to demonstrate its ability to seriously address allegations of discrimination and maintain a relationship of trust with all citizens.

The investigation will now have to answer the many questions raised by these allegations and determine whether serious misconduct was actually committed within Station 39.

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