Montreal’s police chief, Fady Dagher, has expressed a profound sense of “shame” within the police department as it grapples with serious allegations of racism, discrimination, and harassment. This remarkable admission came during a special session held at Montreal City Hall, marking the first time Dagher faced public questioning regarding these pressing issues.
A History of Discontent
For over a decade, residents of Montreal North have raised concerns about the police force, citing a persistent pattern of racial discrimination. Tensions reached a boiling point in June when Dagher disbanded a 16-member patrol unit following disturbing allegations of racist and abusive behaviour by certain officers. Reports emerged that some officers had cut the hair of racialised individuals and kept it as trophies, leading to the suspension of two officers involved in this incident. A third officer was also suspended for an unrelated case.
“I was shocked. Extremely disappointed and humiliated,” Dagher stated candidly during an interview with Global News. He acknowledged the existence of racial profiling but expressed incredulity at the severity of the actions exhibited by the officers involved. “What surprised me was the gravity of the behaviour of those two police officers in this case. Honestly, I didn’t expect to see this in 2026.”
Community Frustration and Calls for Change
The events of June have only intensified the longstanding mistrust between law enforcement and the diverse community of Montreal North. “People are sick and tired of being sick and tired,” remarked Erika Alneus, the chief of the official opposition at city hall, capturing the frustration felt by many.
While the meeting was seen as a critical first step towards addressing these issues, participants described it as a challenging and emotional experience. “It was a very difficult but necessary conversation,” said Fo Niemi, executive director of the Centre for Research-Action on Race. Dagher himself reflected on the session, stating, “[It was] difficult, tough, very emotional.”
A Call for Accountability
Dagher acknowledged the difficulty in understanding the roots of animosity between the police and the community, hinting at the potential involvement of extremism and white supremacy. “It’s a tough question because we are the mirror of society,” he articulated. This moment presents a crucial opportunity for the police department to introspect on past missteps and address where the breakdown occurred.
Attendees of the meeting emphasised that tackling these issues requires a collective effort. “The police can’t do it alone,” Niemi insisted, highlighting the necessity for city politicians and local boroughs to collaborate on solutions. Notably, Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada did not attend the gathering, raising questions about the city’s commitment to addressing these pressing concerns.
The Road Ahead
Dagher admitted that eradicating detrimental practices, such as random street checks—despite being prohibited by the Montreal police—will be a long and challenging process. “It’s going to be difficult. It’s going to be long. But we have to stick together,” he remarked, suggesting that rebuilding community trust could take between seven to ten years.
Furthermore, some advocates are calling for the involvement of external institutions to ensure accountability and transparency. “We know one of the reasons why we have an independent arc, which is the BEI, is because of this kind of issue,” stated Fernanda Belton, executive director of the Legal Clinical Centre. Meanwhile, an internal investigation is currently underway, with two cases involving three officers already forwarded to Quebec’s prosecution service.
Why it Matters
The unfolding situation in Montreal is emblematic of a broader, systemic issue within policing not just in Canada but globally. The community’s reaction to these allegations highlights a critical need for reform and accountability within law enforcement agencies. As the city grapples with these accusations, it serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle against racism and the importance of fostering trust between police and the communities they serve. The actions taken in the coming months will significantly impact not only the future of the Montreal police force but also the lives of countless residents who seek justice and equality.
