Montreal police are prioritizing stronger community relationships in 2026, focusing on mental health, homelessness, and youth issues. Chief Fady Dagher and his team highlighted their achievements from 2025 and outlined upcoming goals at a recent press conference.
A key area of concern for the police force is the evolving profile of homeless individuals. Chief Dagher noted a shift towards younger people, women, and formerly employed individuals now facing homelessness. He emphasized the need for a more cohesive system to address these issues collaboratively, with a focus on consultation and solutions.
The SPVM highlighted successful operations, such as Project Alliance, which targeted organized crime in Montreal and Quebec. Notable arrests, including that of alleged Montreal mafia leader Leonardo Rizzuto, have been made, with more expected in the future.
Crime statistics for Montreal showed progress, with 25 out of 31 murders in the city being solved last year, including eight cold cases. Chief Dagher emphasized the importance of resolving cold cases and providing closure to affected families.
Furthermore, the police reported a significant decrease in armed violence since 2021, dropping by 52%. They have also implemented new technologies like video analysis software and drones for various operations, including missing persons investigations and road safety efforts.
As part of their commitment to transparency and improvement, the SPVM has established an internal oversight committee to evaluate practices and suggest enhancements to their street check policy.
