Montreal’s police force is grappling with a profound sense of shame following serious allegations of racism, discrimination, and harassment within its ranks. Chief Fady Dagher addressed these concerns during a special meeting at City Hall, marking the first time the public had the opportunity to question him directly. This session follows years of discontent from the community in Montreal North, where residents have long voiced their frustrations regarding the police’s treatment of racialised individuals.
A Turning Point for Montreal North
The tension between the police and the multicultural community of Montreal North reached a critical juncture in June when Dagher disbanded a patrol unit comprised of 16 officers after reports emerged of racist and abusive behaviour. Disturbing claims surfaced, alleging that officers had cut the hair of racialised citizens and kept it as trophies. In the wake of these revelations, two officers were suspended, with a third facing disciplinary action in a separate incident.
Reflecting on these events, Dagher expressed his shock and disappointment, stating, “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 to be honest with you, I didn’t expect to see this in 2026.” His candid remarks underscore the gravity of the situation and the need for reform within the force.
Community Voices Demand Change
The meeting, although a significant step forward, was fraught with emotion and underscored the community’s weariness. Erika Alneus, the chief of the official opposition at city hall, encapsulated the sentiment by stating, “People are sick and tired of being sick and tired.” Fo Niemi, executive director of the Centre for Research-Action on Race, characterised the dialogue as “necessary,” acknowledging its difficulty while calling for ongoing discussions about reform.
Dagher noted the complexities underlying the hostility between law enforcement and the community, hinting at the potential influence of extremism and white supremacy. “It’s a tough question because we are the mirror of society,” he remarked. This admission points to the broader societal issues that may be reflected in the police’s conduct and behaviour.
The Road to Rebuilding Trust
Addressing the challenges ahead, Dagher acknowledged that rebuilding community trust is a long-term endeavour. He warned that it could take between seven to ten years to rectify the damage and restore faith in the police force. The chief also noted that certain problematic practices, such as random street checks, which are officially prohibited, still occur among some officers and will require substantial effort to eliminate.
Niemi emphasised the necessity for a collaborative approach, stating, “The police can’t do it alone. The city politicians and the boroughs should be involved in these solutions.” This sentiment highlights the need for a united front in tackling systemic issues within the police force and the community.
Calls for External Oversight
There are growing calls for independent oversight to address the police’s internal issues. Fernanda Belton, executive director of the Legal Clinical Centre, pointed out that the establishment of an independent body, such as the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI), is a response to such problems. Dagher confirmed that an internal investigation is ongoing, with two files involving three officers already referred to Quebec’s prosecution service.
The mounting pressure for accountability signifies a critical moment in Montreal’s efforts to confront its policing challenges head-on.
Why it Matters
The allegations against the Montreal police force are not merely isolated incidents; they reflect a deeper, systemic issue of racism and discrimination that has persisted for far too long. The community’s demand for justice and reform is a clarion call for change that transcends the city. The outcomes of this situation could set a precedent for how law enforcement agencies across Canada address similar concerns, ultimately shaping the relationship between police and the diverse communities they serve. It is essential, not only for the residents of Montreal North but for the integrity of policing in a multicultural society as a whole.