Montreal’s police force is grappling with serious allegations of racism, discrimination, and harassment, as expressed by Chief Fady Dagher during a special session at City Hall. This meeting marked the first opportunity for the public to voice their concerns directly to Dagher, who acknowledged a prevailing sense of “shame” within the department. The tension between the police and the multicultural community of Montreal North has escalated over the past decade, culminating in a crisis following revelations of abusive behaviour by some officers.
A Community in Turmoil
Residents of Montreal North have long raised alarms about the conduct of the city’s police, citing instances of racial profiling and discrimination. The situation escalated dramatically in June when Dagher disbanded a 16-member patrol unit after allegations surfaced that some officers had engaged in profoundly inappropriate actions, such as cutting the hair of racialised individuals and keeping it as a grotesque trophy. In the aftermath, two officers were suspended, with a third also facing suspension for an unrelated incident.
Dagher expressed his shock and disappointment at the severity of the reported behaviours, 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… I didn’t expect to see this in 2026.” This sentiment resonates with many community members, who feel a growing sense of frustration.
Community Voices Demand Change
The meeting at City Hall, although deemed a necessary step, was fraught with emotion and tension. Erika Alneus, the chief of the official opposition, articulated the collective exhaustion felt by the community, remarking, “People are sick and tired of being sick and tired.” Fo Niemi, executive director of the Centre for Research-Action on Race, described the session as “very difficult but necessary,” highlighting the importance of open dialogue.
Dagher acknowledged that understanding the roots of animosity between the police and the community is complex, speculating that factors such as extremism and white supremacy may play a role. “This is a very important moment for the police department to rethink where did we miss, what went wrong with those two police officers,” he said.
A Call for Collaborative Solutions
Attendees of the meeting underscored the need for a collaborative approach, suggesting that the police cannot resolve these issues in isolation. Niemi emphasised that city officials and boroughs must be engaged in the solution process. Notably absent from the discussion was Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada, which raised further concerns about the city’s commitment to addressing these pressing issues.
Dagher also acknowledged the persistent issue of random street checks, which, despite being prohibited by the force, continue to occur. “It’s going to be difficult. It’s going to be long. But we have to stick together,” he remarked, suggesting a timeframe of seven to ten years for rebuilding community trust.
Some community leaders have proposed that external institutions may need to intervene, referencing the creation of the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI) as a response to similar issues in the past. An internal investigation remains ongoing, with two cases involving three officers already forwarded to Quebec’s prosecution service.
Why it Matters
The allegations against the Montreal police raise critical questions about systemic racism and public trust in law enforcement. The outcomes of the ongoing investigations and discussions will likely shape the future of policing in Montreal, influencing community relations and policymaking for years to come. As the city navigates this challenging landscape, it must prioritise transparency and accountability to restore faith among its diverse population. The road ahead is fraught with difficulties, but only through genuine dialogue and constructive action can trust be rebuilt.