Montreal police (SPVM) chief Fady Dagher has fired seven police officers who are facing allegations of “discriminatory and racist behaviour” as well as misconduct. Five of the officers who were dismissed worked at police station 39, in the city’s Montreal North neighbourhood, while two others were posted at station 21, in downtown. Dagher made the announcement at a press conference Monday afternoon. “It’s a sad day but at the same time it was needed. It was necessary to keep the trust with the police and the community,” Dagher said. Station 39 has been embroiled in controversy since mid-June when allegations surfaced involving racist acts against citizens, including one, confirmed by Dagher, that an officer allegedly cut the hair off racialized citizens to keep as “trophies.” Then, in October, new allegations came to light at station 21, where two officers were accused of misconduct, including one who allegedly urinated on a homeless person while in uniform. The second officer allegedly posed for photos mocking suspects under arrest in humiliating positions. The allegations were first reported by La Presse. Six of the seven fired officers had already been suspended over misconduct allegations over the last few months, the police chief said. Should the fired officers, who are male and female, appeal the chief’s decision and it goes before a tribunal, he would immediately send them to a disciplinary committee if they are reinstated into their positions to ensure they never wear the SPVM uniform again. Last Friday, Dagher had promised serious “consequences” for the officers under investigation as he tries to “rebuild” the public’s trust in the police force. He also was forced to publicly address allegations that an officer at station 39 interfered with a domestic violence investigation. Radio-Canada reported that the officer allegedly deleted evidence on a smartphone that was provided by a complainant, and that he allegedly knew the alleged perpetrator. CTV News has not independently verified the report. That officer has since been reassigned to administrative duties. “I promised you the truth and consequences,” Dagher said Monday, addressing the victims of the officers’ actions. “You are receiving the truth as the investigation [unfolds], and the consequences.” He said the SPVM assessed different options before deciding to fire the seven officers, saying it was an “exceptional” measure taken even though no criminal charges have been laid. All the allegations involving the seven officers are in the hands of the Quebec Crown prosecution office, which will determine whether or not to lay charges. The case against the officers is “strong,” according to Dagher, adding that the Crown will have the final say. “I expect justice to be done,” he added. In his remarks last Friday, he said he is vowing to break “the culture of silence” at the SPVM and that his efforts already have positive results, pointing out the fact that officers within the force are acting as whistleblowers to alleged misconduct. He also said more revelations would be made public in the coming weeks. Mayor says ‘it was the right thing to do’ Reacting to the news on Monday, Montreal mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada applauded the police chief’s “unprecedented” decision. “I think it was the right thing to do,” the mayor told CTV News. “Montrealers are looking to rebuild the trust. Rebuilding the trust is making sure that people are not above the law and they have to respect guidelines and the responsibilities they have that come with their post. I salute the response from the SPVM today and I think it’s one step forward in terms of rebuilding the trust with Montrealers.” The police union, known as the Fraternité des policiers et policières de Montréal, declined to comment Monday on the firings.
