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Montreal Police Suspend Officers as Black Staff Warn of Whistleblower Retaliation

The suspensions and dismantling of a patrol unit have deepened calls for an independent probe and urgent reforms to rebuild trust in the force.

Overview

  • Senior SPVM officials suspended two officers, reassigned 14 and dismantled a patrol unit after a probe into alleged racist conduct was made public on June 12.
  • Black police employees sent an internal letter dated June 14 saying some staff fear reprisals and are reluctant to come to work because units are trying to identify whistleblowers.
  • Police Chief Fady Dagher said the investigation could lead to criminal charges for two officers and includes allegations such as officers cutting the hair of racialized residents.
  • A separate committee of Black city public servants sent a June 19 letter demanding concrete, enforceable anti‑racism measures beyond policing and the mayor’s office has agreed to meet.
  • Advocates and community groups say the force’s whistleblower hotline and internal processes are not seen as independent or safe, and they are pressing the Quebec government for an outside inquiry to restore trust.