Fourth SPVM officer suspended over racial profiling allegations at Montreal North station
A fourth officer from the now-disbanded Station 39 night patrol has been suspended as the investigation into misconduct allegations continues. Police chief says criminal charges are possible.
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A fourth SPVM officer has been suspended in connection with allegations of racism and misconduct at Station 39 in Montreal North. The suspension began last Wednesday, following an investigation into alleged offences that occurred while the officer worked for the night patrol unit at the station, which was disbanded.
It's believed the officer was among 16 who were removed from patrol duties and placed in positions without public contact as the investigation continues. Three other officers have already been suspended in relation to the allegations, though one may have been suspended in a separate matter.
Among the allegations are that officers cut the hair of racialized citizens to turn it into "trophies." Police chief Fady Dagher confirmed that reports of haircutting were "part of the allegations" and indicated criminal charges are a possibility.
"The SPVM reiterates that discriminatory or racist behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated, whether within its staff or towards citizens," the force said in a statement. The SPVM's professional standards division is handling the investigation.
What specific charges might be laid against the suspended officers?
How many of the 16 officers removed from patrol duties have now been formally suspended?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
How many SPVM officers have been suspended over the Station 39 allegations?
Four officers from the SPVM have been suspended in connection with allegations of racism and misconduct at Station 39 in Montreal North.
What is one of the specific allegations against the officers?
Officers are alleged to have cut the hair of racialized citizens and kept it as 'trophies.' Police chief Fady Dagher confirmed that reports of haircutting were part of the allegations.
What happened to Station 39's night patrol unit?
The night patrol unit at Station 39 in Montreal North was disbanded following an investigation into misconduct allegations.
Could officers face criminal charges?
Police chief Fady Dagher indicated that criminal charges are a possibility in connection with the allegations.
