16 Montreal police officers under investigation for racist conduct
SPVM announced two suspensions and opened probes into Station 39 unit for racial profiling, racist remarks, and cutting locs from detainees.
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Montreal Police Chief Fady Dagher announced that 16 officers are under investigation for racist and hateful conduct during interventions in the Montreal North borough. Two officers have already been suspended.
The misconduct at Station 39 includes racial profiling, racist remarks, and cutting pieces of locs (dreadlocks) from apprehended men and keeping them as trophies. One case has been referred to Quebec prosecutors for review.
Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada called the allegations "extremely disturbing" and said trust between police and citizens has been shaken. She told reporters Saturday morning that she discussed accelerating the SPVM's body camera project with Quebec's Deputy Premier and Minister of Internal Security, Ian Lafrenière.
Ferrada said "systemic racism exists" and must be spoken about openly to find ways to correct it. She noted that fellow police officers were the ones who reported the situation.
Premier Christine Fréchette said the alleged actions, if confirmed, are incompatible with the values of respect and integrity that must guide all police forces and that the full truth must be revealed quickly.
The story broke Friday when La Presse and Radio-Canada reported the allegations. The city is watching closely as the investigation unfolds.