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In a candid address to the public, Montreal Police Chief Fady Dagher acknowledged the pervasive sentiment of “shame” within the force as it grapples with serious allegations of racism, discrimination, and harassment. This unprecedented opportunity for the community to question Dagher took place during a special meeting at Montreal City Hall on Tuesday evening, reflecting the growing discontent among residents—particularly in Montreal North—who have long expressed grievances regarding the police’s treatment of racialised individuals.
A Crisis Unfolding
The tension between the Montreal police and the citizens of Montreal North escalated dramatically in June when Dagher disbanded a 16-member patrol unit following disturbing allegations of racist behaviour by some officers. Reports emerged claiming that officers had engaged in actions as egregious as cutting the hair of racialised citizens and keeping it as mementoes. In response to these revelations, two officers were suspended, with a third facing disciplinary action for an unrelated matter.
Dagher expressed his shock and disappointment at the severity of the officers’ actions, stating, “That, for me, was shocking. Extremely disappointed, humiliating. 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 this case. And to be honest with you, I didn’t expect to see this in 2026.”
Voices from the Community
The sentiments shared by Dagher highlight a broader issue of mistrust that has festered between law enforcement and Montreal North’s multicultural community. Erika Alneus, the head of the official opposition at city hall, encapsulated the community’s frustration, declaring, “People are sick and tired of being sick and tired.” The urgency for change is palpable, and many attendees at the meeting recognised it as a critical, albeit challenging, first step towards reconciliation.
Fo Niemi, executive director of the Centre for Research-Action on Race, described the atmosphere of the meeting as “very difficult but necessary,” acknowledging the openness and honesty of the dialogue. Dagher himself noted the emotional weight of the conversation, admitting, “[It was] difficult, tough, very emotional.”
Addressing the Root Causes
Dagher stated that understanding the animosity between the police force and the community is complex, suggesting that factors such as extremism and white supremacy could play a role. “It’s a tough question because we are the mirror of society,” he remarked, suggesting the police force must grapple with the realities of the prejudices that exist within the community.
“It’s a very important moment for the police department to rethink where did we miss, what went wrong with those two police officers,” he added, emphasising the need for introspection and accountability within the ranks.
Moreover, Niemi stressed that the police cannot tackle these deep-seated issues in isolation. “The police being one of the services of the city, the city politicians and the boroughs should be involved in these solutions,” he asserted. This sentiment resonates with many who believe that a collaborative effort is essential for genuine progress.
Moving Forward: The Path to Trust
During the meeting, Dagher addressed the challenge of eradicating problematic policing practices, such as random street checks, which are officially prohibited but still reportedly occur. “It’s going to be difficult. It’s going to be long. But we have to stick together,” he said, forecasting a timeline of seven to ten years before trust can be re-established between the police and the community.
The urgency for reform has also led to calls for external oversight. Fernanda Belton, executive director of the Legal Clinical Centre, pointed out that the existence of independent oversight bodies like the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI) is a direct response to issues of this nature. An internal investigation is currently underway, with Dagher confirming that two cases involving three officers have been submitted to Quebec’s prosecution service for further review.
Why it Matters
The events unfolding within the Montreal police force represent a critical juncture for not only law enforcement but for the entire community. As the police confront allegations of racism and discrimination, the outcome of these discussions and investigations could significantly influence public trust in law enforcement and the broader pursuit of social justice. The call for accountability, transparency, and collaboration echoes a wider demand for systemic change—one that necessitates the engagement of all stakeholders in building a more equitable society.
