Montreal’s police Chief Fady Dagher has openly addressed the prevailing sense of “shame” within the police force in the wake of serious allegations of racism, discrimination, and harassment. This marked a pivotal moment for the community, as citizens had an opportunity to directly question Dagher during a special meeting held at Montreal City Hall on Tuesday evening. The discussion comes after years of mounting tension between the police and residents of Montreal North, stemming from long-standing concerns about police conduct.
A Crisis of Trust in Montreal North
For over a decade, the residents of Montreal North have voiced their frustrations regarding the local police force, citing systemic racism and discriminatory practices. The situation escalated dramatically in June, when Dagher disbanded a 16-member patrol unit following shocking allegations of racist and abusive behaviour by some officers. Reports emerged that officers had cut the hair of racialised individuals and kept it as trophies. In response, two officers were suspended, alongside a third officer linked to a separate incident.
Dagher expressed his dismay at the severity of these actions, stating, “That, for me, was shocking. Extremely disappointed, humiliating… 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.”
A Difficult Conversation
The recent meeting was regarded as a crucial first step toward healing, albeit a challenging one. Erika Alneus, chief of the official opposition at city hall, reflected the sentiments of many when she stated, “People are sick and tired of being sick and tired.” Community leaders and residents alike acknowledged the importance of dialogue, with Fo Niemi, executive director of the Centre for Research-Action on Race, describing the meeting as “very difficult but necessary.” Dagher echoed these sentiments, characterising the encounter as “open” and “honest,” but also “tough” and “very emotional.”
Despite the progress made, Dagher admitted that understanding the roots of animosity between the police and the community remains complex, suggesting that factors such as extremism and white supremacy cannot be overlooked. “It’s a tough question because we are the mirror of society,” he stated, underscoring the need for introspection within the police force regarding its past failures.
A Collective Responsibility
The discussions highlighted that the responsibility for addressing these issues extends beyond the police department. Niemi articulated that the city’s political leadership must be involved in crafting solutions, asserting, “The police can’t do it alone.” This sentiment reflects a growing consensus that a collaborative approach is essential for fostering lasting change.
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada did not attend the meeting, which raised further questions about the level of commitment from city leaders to address these pressing concerns. Dagher acknowledged that eradicating ingrained practices, such as random street checks—which are officially banned within the Montreal police force but still occur—will be a long and arduous process. He estimated that rebuilding trust within the community could take anywhere from seven to ten years.
The Role of External Oversight
There are calls for independent oversight to play a part in addressing the allegations against the police. Fernanda Belton, executive director of the Legal Clinical Centre, pointed out that the establishment of independent bodies like the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI) arose from similar issues in the past. As the internal investigation continues, Dagher confirmed that two cases involving three officers have been forwarded to Quebec’s prosecution service, suggesting that accountability measures are being taken seriously.
Why it Matters
The ongoing dialogue surrounding racism and discrimination within Montreal’s police force is not merely a local issue; it reflects broader societal challenges that affect communities across Canada and beyond. By confronting these hard truths, Montreal has the opportunity to redefine its relationship with its diverse population, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future. This moment serves as a reminder that trust between law enforcement and the community is fragile yet essential, and it requires collective effort to rebuild.
