Montreal’s police chief, Fady Dagher, has openly expressed a profound sense of “shame” within the force as it grapples with serious allegations of racism, discrimination, and harassment. This acknowledgment came during a special meeting on Tuesday night at Montreal City Hall, where the public had its first opportunity to engage with Dagher about these pressing issues. Concerns about the police force have simmered for over a decade, particularly in the culturally diverse neighbourhood of Montreal North, where residents have long voiced dissatisfaction regarding racial profiling and discriminatory practices.
A Turning Point for Montreal North
The situation escalated dramatically in June when Dagher disbanded a 16-member patrol unit in Montreal North following allegations of egregious misconduct by some officers. Reports surfaced that officers had cut the hair of racialised individuals and kept it as trophies, leading to the suspension of two officers involved in this disturbing incident. Additionally, a third officer was suspended in connection with an unrelated matter. Dagher described his reaction to these revelations as “shocking” and expressed his disappointment, stating, “I recognise that racial profiling and discrimination exist… What surprised me is the gravity of the behaviour of those two police officers in this case. To be honest, I didn’t expect to see this in 2026.”
Community Response and Calls for Change
The recent events have reignited a long-standing mistrust between law enforcement and Montreal North’s multicultural community. “People are sick and tired of being sick and tired,” remarked Erika Alneus, the head of the official opposition at city hall, emphasising the community’s frustration. While the meeting marked a critical first step towards addressing these issues, participants acknowledged the emotional weight of the conversation. Fo Niemi, the executive director of the Centre for Research-Action on Race, described the dialogue as “very difficult but necessary” and highlighted the importance of honesty in the exchange.
Dagher noted that the source of animosity between the police and the community is challenging to pinpoint, but he does not dismiss the possibility of extremism and white supremacy contributing to the problem. “This is a very important moment for the police department to rethink where we went wrong with those two police officers,” he stated.
The Role of City Leadership
Those who attended the meeting emphasised that addressing these issues requires a collective effort beyond just the police force. Niemi pointed out that the police cannot tackle these challenges in isolation, urging city politicians and borough officials to actively participate in finding solutions. Notably absent from the meeting was Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada, raising questions about the city leadership’s commitment to addressing these urgent concerns.
Dagher acknowledged that certain problematic practices, such as random street checks—which are prohibited but still occur—will take time to eradicate. “It’s going to be difficult. It’s going to be long. But we have to stick together,” he said, predicting it could take seven to ten years for the community to rebuild trust in the police force.
The Path Forward
Calls for external oversight have arisen, with advocates highlighting the necessity for independent institutions to address systemic issues within the police. Fernanda Belton, executive director of the Legal Clinical Centre, pointed out that the existence of an independent investigative unit, the Bureau d’enquête indépendante (BEI), is already a response to such challenges. Meanwhile, an internal investigation is ongoing, and Dagher confirmed that files involving three officers have been forwarded to Quebec’s prosecution service.
Why it Matters
The revelations surrounding the Montreal police force underscore a critical juncture in the relationship between law enforcement and the community it serves. As allegations of racism and misconduct emerge, the need for genuine dialogue and systemic change becomes imperative. This situation not only reflects local dynamics but also resonates with broader societal questions about accountability, trust, and the ongoing fight against discrimination in policing. The outcomes of these discussions and investigations will be pivotal in shaping the future of community-police relations in Montreal, and may serve as a model—or cautionary tale—for other cities grappling with similar issues.