Montreal’s police chief, Fady Dagher, has openly addressed the profound feelings of “shame” within the force as it grapples with serious accusations of racism, discrimination, and harassment. This candid admission came during a special meeting at City Hall, providing residents with an opportunity to voice their concerns for the first time. For years, the community of Montreal North has expressed growing dissatisfaction with the police, culminating in recent incidents that have raised alarms about the conduct of officers.
A Crisis of Confidence
The situation escalated dramatically in June when Dagher disbanded a 16-member patrol unit in Montreal North following allegations of racist and abusive behaviour. Reports surfaced that officers had cut the hair of racialised individuals as trophies, prompting the suspension of two officers and a third for an unrelated matter. Dagher described his reaction to these revelations as “shocking” and “humiliating,” emphasising that he had not anticipated such extreme misconduct in a modern police force.
“I always say that I recognise that racial profiling and discrimination exist. What surprised me is the gravity of the behaviour of those two police officers in the case. And that, to be honest with you, I didn’t expect to see this in 2026,” Dagher stated, reflecting the disillusionment felt not only within the police department but also among the communities they serve.
Community Voices Demand Change
The ongoing tensions between law enforcement and the multicultural community of Montreal North have reached a boiling point. “People are sick and tired of being sick and tired,” remarked Erika Alneus, the chief of the official opposition at City Hall, underscoring the frustration felt by many. Despite the gravity of the situation, the recent meeting was seen as a pivotal first step toward rebuilding trust, although it was acknowledged to be a challenging dialogue.
“It was a very difficult but necessary conversation,” said Fo Niemi, executive director of the Centre for Research-Action on Race. Dagher himself described the exchange as “tough” and “very emotional,” highlighting the urgency of addressing these long-standing issues.
The Need for Systemic Change
While Dagher acknowledged the need to understand the underlying causes of the animosity between the police and the community, he did not shy away from the possibility of extremism and white supremacy influencing some officers’ actions. “It’s a tough question because we are the mirror of society,” he remarked, indicating that the police must reflect on their role within the broader community.
Participants at the meeting emphasised that addressing these problems requires a collective effort. “The police can’t do it alone,” Niemi asserted, calling for city politicians and boroughs to actively participate in developing solutions. This sentiment was echoed by many in attendance, who recognised that the entire city must engage in a collaborative approach to foster trust and accountability.
The Path Forward
While Dagher expressed commitment to reform, he acknowledged that changing entrenched habits, such as illicit street checks—despite them being prohibited—will be a lengthy process. He estimated that it could take seven to ten years for the community to regain its trust in the police force. Many in the community are advocating for external oversight to ensure accountability, with Fernanda Belton, executive director of the Legal Clinical Centre, pointing out that independent bodies like the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI) are essential to address these concerns.
An internal investigation into the allegations is ongoing, and Dagher confirmed that two cases involving three officers have been forwarded to Quebec’s prosecution service, signalling a potentially significant shift in how such matters are handled.
Why it Matters
The revelations surrounding the Montreal police force highlight a critical juncture in addressing systemic racism and discrimination within law enforcement. As communities demand accountability and transparency, the outcome of these discussions could set a precedence for policing practices across Canada. For many residents, this is not just about reforming a police force but also about restoring faith in a system meant to protect and serve all citizens equally. The path to healing will require sustained commitment, open dialogue, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about society’s failings.
