Black staff of the Montreal police drive have despatched a letter to administration saying some have issues about going to work after the dismantling of a patrol unit over critical allegations of racist misconduct.
The letter was dated June 14, two days after senior police officers held a late night information convention asserting that they had suspended two officers and reassigned 14 others over allegations of racism and different reprehensible behaviour.
Police Chief Fady Dagher mentioned on June 12 that the investigation started in March after data was offered by fellow officers.
“Silence doesn’t construct belief. Defending those that converse out does,” the staff wrote within the inside letter despatched to the police service’s deputy director Marc Charbonneau.
The Black staff famous within the letter that that they had discovered about efforts to determine whistleblowers in some models.
“In consequence, some staff of the (Montreal police) concern reprisals and in some circumstances, are even reluctant to go to work,” the group wrote within the letter.
In addition they mentioned that the police drive should defend those that had the braveness to denounce disgraceful behaviour, in addition to those that collaborate within the inside investigations.
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The letter, shared with The Canadian Press by the civil rights advocacy group Crimson Coalition, was signed by a committee representing the staff however doesn’t embrace any particular person names.
The warnings from the Black staff are coming at a time when the Quebec authorities is dealing with mounting calls to launch an impartial inquiry into the police drive with a view to restore public belief.
A number of civil rights teams and politicians have mentioned that allegations of racism and misconduct on the division aren’t new, and urgently have to be addressed.
Lots of of residents additionally rallied exterior the police station on the coronary heart of the controversy on Monday, garnering cheers of assist as they marched by means of the multicultural neighbourhood of Montréal-Nord.
Although the drive arrange a hotline for whistleblowers, the letter says it’s not sufficient to revive belief. They are saying the drive should strengthen present reporting mechanisms in order that they’re perceived as protected, impartial and credible, and that staff can use these mechanisms with out fearing private or skilled penalties.
“We’re dedicated to contributing to efforts geared toward bringing a couple of change in organizational tradition, with a view to fostering a greater sense of group throughout the police drive and guaranteeing that the service offered to the general public stays true to its mission to serve and defend,” the staff wrote.
A spokesperson for Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada confirmed that the mayor is conscious of the letter and she’s going to manage a gathering as quickly as doable.
Montreal police informed The Canadian Press they’d strive to reply to questions concerning the letter on Friday.
Racism ‘completely unacceptable,’ says Montreal mayor after 2 cops suspended
The brotherhood that represents Montreal cops didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
The Montreal police chief has mentioned two officers might face legal expenses, noting they’re nonetheless investigating a sequence of allegations, together with reviews that among the officers had lower the hair of racialized residents to show into “trophies.”
Former Montreal police officer André Gélinas says although he has been retired since 2019, he believes the system in place works and the drive is taking the investigation critically.
“You don’t see the police chief come out to carry a press convention at 10:30 p.m. if it’s not critical,” he mentioned in an interview.
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed June 18, 2026.
© 2026 The Canadian Press