A restaurateur is speaking out after a Quebec’s police ethics tribunal has found that a Montreal police officer used offensive language during a police stop. Johnny Lerouge says it happened right behind his east-end restaurant. In February 2024, he was closing up for the night and went to throw a box into the dumpster when police approached. He says officers asked him to identify himself. In return, he asked why. Lerouge admits it turned into an argument but it’s what one officer said to him that is at the centre of a police ethics tribunal decision. The Tribunal administratif de déontologie policière ruled that the officer violated the Code of ethics for Quebec police officers by using offensive language and making remarks based on race, colour and ethnic origin, specifically Creole expressions known to be demeaning and belittling. Lerouge says it’s racial profiling and there is no other motive. He says the interaction was recorded by a camera inside his vehicle. “It was the camera that saved me in this situation,” he said. Following the incident, he partnered with civil rights group Center for Research-Action on Race Relations (CRARR). “Both police officers and citizens have a duty to be very respectful and careful to what to say one another,” said executive director Fo Niemi. In a statement, the Montreal police force acknowledges the ruling and says it is sensitive to the issue but also points out the officer involved has a right to appeal. The decision did not outline any sanctions against the officer, but CRARR says a separate hearing will be held on that issue in the next few weeks.
