Montreal’s police force is facing significant scrutiny as Chief Fady Dagher acknowledges a prevailing sentiment of “shame” within the department in light of serious allegations surrounding racism, discrimination, and harassment. This candid admission follows a special meeting held at City Hall on Tuesday night, where residents had the opportunity to voice their concerns for the first time directly to Dagher. The gathering highlighted long-standing tensions between the police and the multicultural community of Montreal North, which have intensified in recent months.
Historical Context of Mistrust
For more than a decade, residents of Montreal North have voiced their dissatisfaction with the local police, citing persistent issues of racism and discrimination. Tensions reached a boiling point in June when Dagher disbanded a 16-member patrol unit amid allegations of racist and abusive behaviour by some officers. Disturbing claims emerged, including reports that officers cut the hair of racialised individuals and kept it as trophies. Following these revelations, two officers were suspended, with a third officer facing a separate suspension for unrelated misconduct.
Dagher expressed his shock and disappointment regarding the gravity of the officers’ actions. “That, for me, was shocking. Extremely disappointing, humiliating,” he stated. “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.”
Community Response
The recent events have only served to deepen the mistrust between law enforcement and the diverse community they serve. Activists and community leaders voiced their frustrations during the City Hall meeting, with Erika Alneus, chief of the official opposition, stating, “People are sick and tired of being sick and tired.”
While many attendees viewed the meeting as a crucial first step towards reconciliation, they also acknowledged its challenges. Fo Niemi, executive director of the Centre for Research-Action on Race, described the dialogue as “very difficult but necessary,” emphasising the need for transparency and honesty in addressing these issues.
Calls for Systemic Change
Dagher acknowledged the complexities of the animosity between the police and the community, hinting at the potential influence of extremism and white supremacy within society. “It’s a tough question because we are the mirror of society,” he remarked, highlighting the need for the police department to reflect on its shortcomings.
The consensus among attendees was clear: systemic change is essential. “The police can’t do it alone,” Niemi noted, urging city officials and boroughs to engage collaboratively in crafting solutions to these pervasive issues. Notably absent from the meeting was Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada, raising questions about the level of commitment from city leadership to address these grave concerns.
Dagher emphasised that reform would take time, particularly in rooting out ingrained practices such as random street checks, which are officially prohibited yet still occur. He cautioned that rebuilding trust within the community could take seven to ten years.
The Role of External Oversight
Recognising the gravity of the situation, some community leaders have suggested that external oversight may be necessary. Fernanda Belton, executive director of the Legal Clinical Centre, pointed out that the existence of an independent body, the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI), was established for precisely such issues. An internal investigation is ongoing, and Dagher confirmed that two cases involving three officers have been forwarded to Quebec’s prosecution service.
Why it Matters
The current crisis within Montreal’s police force is emblematic of broader societal challenges related to systemic racism and discrimination. As communities call for accountability and transparency, it is crucial for law enforcement agencies to engage proactively with the public they serve. The path to restoring trust will not only require changes within the police department but also a concerted effort from all city stakeholders, ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and respected. The outcome of this situation will serve as a critical test of Montreal’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable society for all its residents.
