Montreal mayor says trust ‘has been broken’ amid police racism allegations

Two Montreal police officers working within the Montreal‑North borough have been suspended following allegations of discriminatory and racist behaviour towards members of the general public, police Chief Fady Dagher stated Friday night.

Dagher stated 14 different officers from Station 39 have been reassigned to duties that don’t contain contact with the general public in reference to the case.

The 2 suspended officers are underneath investigation by the Director of Felony and Penal Prosecutions for potential Felony Code offences.

Dagher stated the investigation started in March after info was introduced ahead by members of the Montreal police service.

Earlier Friday, La Presse and Radio‑Canada reported officers allegedly lower the hair of racialized people and stored it as “trophies.” Dagher confirmed throughout a information convention that these claims are among the many allegations.

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Fady Dagher sworn in as new Montreal police chief


Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada was notified Friday of the incident and put out a press release on social media.

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“I instantly contacted the minister of public safety. We agreed to work collectively to speed up the rollout of physique cameras throughout the SPVM. Any type of racial profiling or violence is unacceptable,” she stated in a press release.

In an replace Saturday morning, Martinez Ferrada acknowledged the anger and concern the allegations have sparked, significantly amongst racialized communities.


“I need to communicate on to the residents and residents of Montréal-Nord and in addition to anybody who has felt focused, watched, profiled and unheard,” she informed reporters.

“To those that have come ahead and felt that their considerations weren’t taken severely, to those that really feel that nothing ever modified, I hear you.”

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Martinez Ferrada stated the allegations have raised legit questions on belief between police and the communities they serve.

“The considerations, the anger and the questions raised by these allegations are fully legit,” she stated.

“The connection and belief between our establishments and the group are … very fragile. And in some instances, that belief generally has additionally been damaged.”

Martinez Ferrada additionally urged residents to permit the investigation to proceed whereas promising solutions.

“I need to guarantee those that I’ll ask all of the powerful questions.”

– With information from The Canadian Press

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