Independent Observer Appointed to Oversee Montreal Police Racism Probe

Quebec's Domestic Security Minister Ian Lafrenière has appointed an independent observer to oversee investigations into allegations of racism within the Montreal police service. This move comes just over a week after the force disbanded a patrol unit and suspended two officers amid accusations of discriminatory conduct.

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discriminatory and racist

Lawyer Anne-Marie Boisvert has been tasked with monitoring both the criminal and disciplinary investigations into the matter. She will report her findings and recommendations directly to Minister Lafrenière. The allegations surfaced on June 12, when Montreal police leadership announced the dismantling of a night patrol unit at Station 39, reassigning 14 officers and suspending two others for alleged "discriminatory and racist" behavior towards citizens. Police Chief Fady Dagher confirmed that case files for the suspended officers have been sent to prosecutors.

Reports from La Presse and Radio-Canada suggest that the allegations include officers cutting the hair of racialized individuals to create "trophies." Chief Dagher acknowledged that these reports are "part of the allegations." Minister Lafrenière stated on X that Boisvert's mandate is to ensure the investigations proceed with "integrity and impartiality" and to immediately report any irregularities or lack of cooperation from the police service.

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part of the allegations.

Boisvert, a former dean of the Université de Montréal’s law faculty and a long-time chair of the Quebec bar’s criminal law committee, brings significant legal expertise to the role. Minister Lafrenière also indicated that a public inquiry has not been ruled out pending the completion of the criminal investigation. This decision follows a letter sent by four organizations to the Quebec government requesting a public inquiry into police racism and racial profiling within the Montreal police service.

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integrity and impartiality