Montreal’s police chief, Fady Dagher, has expressed profound concern over allegations of racism, discrimination, and harassment within the force, stating that there exists a palpable sense of “shame” among officers. This frank admission came during a special meeting at Montreal City Hall this past Tuesday, which allowed citizens to voice their concerns for the first time. The meeting highlighted the longstanding tensions between the police and the residents of Montreal North, a neighbourhood that has repeatedly raised alarms about systemic racism and discriminatory practices.
A History of Discontent
For over ten years, residents of Montreal North have voiced their dissatisfaction with local law enforcement, citing numerous incidents of misconduct. The situation escalated dramatically in June when Dagher disbanded a 16-member patrol unit following grave accusations of racist and abusive behaviour. Among the allegations were claims that officers had cut the hair of racialised individuals and retained the locks as trophies, leading to the suspension of two officers involved in the incident, with a third officer suspended for an unrelated matter.
Dagher described the revelations as “shocking” and “extremely disappointing,” emphasising that he had not anticipated such egregious conduct in 2026. “I recognise that racial profiling and discrimination exist,” he told Global News. “What surprised me is the gravity of the behaviour of those two police officers.”
Community Voices Demand Action
The June incidents have intensified the already strained relationship between the police and the multicultural community of Montreal North. Erika Alneus, the chief of the official opposition at city hall, articulated the frustration felt by many, stating, “People are sick and tired of being sick and tired.” This sentiment was echoed by Fo Niemi, executive director of the Centre for Research-Action on Race, who described the meeting as a “very difficult but necessary conversation” that was characterised by openness and honesty.
Dagher acknowledged the emotional weight of the discussions, describing them as “difficult, tough, [and] very emotional.” He also noted the challenges in understanding the sources of animosity between law enforcement and the community, suggesting that elements of extremism and white supremacy may contribute to the ongoing distrust.
A Call for Collective Solutions
Attendees at the meeting underscored the need for a city-wide approach to address these issues. Niemi asserted that the police cannot tackle these challenges in isolation; collaboration with city officials and borough representatives is essential for developing effective solutions. Notably absent from this significant dialogue was Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada, raising questions about the city’s commitment to tackling these systemic problems.
Dagher acknowledged the persistent issues within the force, including the improper practice of random street checks, which remain banned but continue to be reported by some officers. He admitted that rectifying these entrenched behaviours would be a lengthy process, potentially taking seven to ten years before trust could be restored within the community.
Looking Ahead: The Need for External Oversight
The discussion also hinted at the possibility of external agencies playing a role in reforming police practices. Fernanda Belton, executive director of the Legal Clinical Centre, pointed out that the establishment of independent oversight bodies like the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI) stemmed from similar concerns. An internal investigation into the recent allegations is currently ongoing, with Dagher confirming that two cases involving three officers have been forwarded to Quebec’s prosecution service.
Why it Matters
This moment marks a critical juncture for the Montreal police force and the city as a whole. The recognition of systemic issues within law enforcement not only reflects a growing awareness of the need for accountability but also signals a potential shift towards meaningful reform. As communities demand change and transparency, the path forward will require not just acknowledgment of past failures, but a concerted effort to rebuild trust and ensure that policing in Montreal becomes a model of equity and respect for all citizens.
