Identity, belonging and justice were the themes of a forum hosted by the Black Community Resource Centre (BCRC) on Saturday, just days after Montreal police (SPVM) Chief Fady Dagher fired seven officers over allegations of misconduct. “Certainly, our community is glad to see an action taken by a public official in this province,” said Seeta Ramdass, one of the organizers. “We have not seen this before.” READ MORE: On Monday, Dagher announced that he fired seven officers over allegations of misconduct. Five were from Station 39, and two were from Station 21. At Station 39, the allegations involve racist acts, including claims that an officer cut the hair of racialized citizens to keep as “trophies.” At Station 21, an officer allegedly urinated on a homeless person while in uniform. For many at the forum, the allegations point to a larger problem. “It’s fundamentally obvious that there is a real need for reform and change,” said John Davids, a PhD candidate at McGill University. The firings are also being challenged, with TVA Nouvelles reporting that anonymous police officers have filed complaints against Dagher, saying he lacked impartiality. Quebec’s police ethics commissioner would not confirm the complaints to CTV News. The city’s police union has also said it is considering challenging the firings. On Tuesday, the Montreal police brotherhood (FPPM) said in a memo to members that the firings are “unprecedented” and raise “fundamental legal questions.” For members of the BCRC, they say they appreciate Dagher’s actions. “It’s hopeful for the Black community to see such a shift happening,” said Ramdass.
