Montreal Police Unit Probed Over Claims of Targeted Racist Actions

A full police unit in Montréal-Nord is being investigated after colleagues reported coordinated discriminatory conduct during street checks and ticket issuance.

Montreal Police Unit Probed Over Claims of Targeted Racist Actions

An entire unit of sixteen officers stationed in Montréal-Nord is under scrutiny following internal reports of systematic discriminatory behaviour directed at Black and Arab community members during enforcement activities.

Montreal's police force confirmed the probe late Friday after whistleblowers from within Station 39 raised alarms. According to information published by Radio-Canada, some officers allegedly kept hair samples — specifically locs — removed from individuals during encounters, and handed out citations motivated by racial bias rather than legitimate infractions.

Chief Fady Dagher held an unscheduled evening press briefing Friday to address the controversy. He expressed personal anguish over the claims, remarking that he never imagined such conduct occurring in the current era. He further stated that personnel involved were disgracing the department's uniform.

Personnel decisions have already been made: two members were put on leave, three transferred to different roles, and the remaining officers removed from public-facing duties pending the outcome. Additionally, two files were sent to Quebec's prosecution service, which will determine if criminal proceedings are warranted.

The internal review commenced roughly two months ago after fellow officers reported the misconduct. Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada convened a Saturday media availability to reassure residents, emphasizing that profiling and discriminatory violence have no place in municipal institutions. She pledged a thorough review to uncover exactly what transpired.

Source: CBC

Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)