The Société de transport de Montréal (STM) has decided not to arm its special constables with guns, stun guns or tasers, despite calls from their union to do so. Constables are currently equipped with pepper spray gel, telescopic batons and handcuffs, but the union representing the city’s metro workers says those tools are not enough to deal with the situations they encounter daily. Union president Kevin Grenier says safety in the metro is declining. Grenier says constables encounter people experiencing mental health issues, people using drugs, and individuals who are increasingly violent and armed. He said more than 140 constables have been injured so far this year. However, some STM riders told CTV News they are relieved by the decision, citing concerns about police brutality and the challenges faced by vulnerable people who may be struggling to find shelter. In a statement to CTV News, the STM said it wants its constables to focus on other approaches. “Our constables’ approach focuses more on customer service, de-escalation, and referrals to health and social services resources. Specialized training in de-escalation is also provided to constables,” the statement reads. “Furthermore, a recent CNESST report released last March validated the STM’s risk analysis ... which concluded that arming officers was not warranted.” However, a recent investigation by La Presse points to another reason the STM is not arming its constables. It found the STM alleged constables had a tendency to use force too quickly. Grenier disagrees and believes the decision was made too quickly without looking at all the details. The STM hired former head of the Sûreté du Québec (SQ), Martin Prud’homme, to lead a brand-new security division, a move Grenier supports. Details about the new division have not yet been announced.
