Montreal’s police department is facing serious allegations of racism and discriminatory conduct involving several officers. Police Chief Fady Dagher has pledged that no misconduct or illegal activity within the department will be concealed, promising that all findings from the investigations will be made public.
Speaking at a press conference at police headquarters on Friday, Montreal Police Service (SPVM) Chief Fady Dagher said the truth would not be suppressed and that allegations involving Station 39 would be investigated thoroughly. He confirmed that four police officers had already been suspended in connection with the case.
Dagher said reforms within the police department were already underway and that further announcements regarding investigation findings and disciplinary measures against those responsible would be made in November.
He also warned that some videos and photographs could emerge during the investigation that might be extremely disturbing for the public. He stressed that although the department could have chosen to conceal certain facts, it had decided against doing so.
Racism Allegations and Claims That Officers Kept Citizens’ Hair as Trophies
The Station 39 controversy intensified last summer when a specialised team of 16 officers assigned to the station was disbanded following allegations of racist and discriminatory behaviour.
Among the most disturbing allegations was the claim that some officers cut the hair of individuals from racial minority communities and kept it as trophies.
The revelations raised serious questions about police conduct, racial discrimination and the effectiveness of internal oversight mechanisms within Montreal’s police service.
Alleged Deletion of Domestic Violence Evidence Triggers Criminal Investigation
Another case connected to Station 39 involves allegations that a police officer obstructed justice and tampered with evidence during a domestic violence incident in 2025.
According to reports, a police officer allegedly deleted video evidence submitted by a woman who had experienced domestic violence.
Police have launched a criminal investigation into the matter. The officer concerned has been reassigned to administrative duties without direct contact with members of the public.
Police Chief Dagher said the woman had shown courage by coming forward and filing a complaint, but was subjected to treatment he described as utterly reprehensible.
He added that the full circumstances surrounding the alleged deletion of evidence would be established once the investigation was completed.
Two Supervisors Also Under Scrutiny
Investigators have also examined the conduct of two supervising officers who were reportedly informed about the incident but allegedly failed to take appropriate action.
According to the available information, a female police officer who was on duty at the time informed two sergeants about the matter. When no action was taken, she escalated her concerns to senior officials.
Dagher said the cases involving both sergeants were referred to the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP). However, prosecutors decided not to pursue criminal charges against them.
Despite that decision, the police department is taking administrative action against both supervisors.
The police chief said further details about the measures taken against the officers would be disclosed to the public at a later stage.
Community Organisations Criticise Senior Police Management
Community organisations working against racial discrimination have criticised not only the alleged conduct of individual officers but also the failure of senior officials to respond promptly to complaints.
Fo Niemi, executive director of the Centre for Research-Action on Race Relations (CRARR), said the concerns extended beyond the behaviour of frontline officers. He argued that the alleged failure of senior management to respond appropriately was equally serious.
According to Niemi, the department’s command structure and accountability mechanisms had been compromised, and the domestic violence complaint should have triggered immediate and meaningful action.
Alan Babineau, director of racial profiling and public safety at the Red Coalition, also stressed that the investigation should not be limited to officers working on the streets.
He said the alleged inaction of certain supervisors and administrative officials was an important part of the case and that accountability should extend to everyone who may have failed to act despite receiving complaints.
Montreal Mayor Praises Officer Who Reported the Allegations
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada praised the female police officer who brought the allegations to light.
She said changing the internal culture of an institution takes time and that those attempting to introduce reforms often face resistance.
The mayor expressed hope that Police Chief Fady Dagher would take meaningful steps to reform the department and eliminate discriminatory practices.
Station 21 Employee Also Suspended
Montreal police have also announced the suspension of an employee assigned to neighbourhood police station 21 in connection with allegations of discriminatory and racist conduct linked to the Station 39 controversy.
Police Chief Dagher said the department would not limit its response to disciplinary action against individual officers but would also address weaknesses within the broader institutional system.
He reiterated that efforts to improve transparency, accountability and institutional reform would continue, adding that the findings of the investigations would not be hidden from the public.
The scandal has intensified scrutiny of Montreal’s police service, raising broader concerns about racial discrimination, internal accountability and the protection of vulnerable residents. The investigations and forthcoming announcements in November are expected to play an important role in determining the extent of responsibility and the reforms needed to restore public confidence.
