A protest against police racism is scheduled for Monday evening outside a police station in Montreal North, days after the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) announced the suspension of two officers and the reassignment of a team of police personnel over allegations of misconduct.
The demonstration, organized by the Collectif Opposé à la Brutalité Policière (COBP), is taking place outside Station 39 on Henri-Bourassa Boulevard East at 7 p.m. under the banner “Racist police, complicit system.”
The protest was organized in response to allegations involving members of the Montreal North police station that the SPVM said included discriminatory and racist behaviour toward members of the public, as well as alleged misconduct during a police intervention.
Late Friday, the SPVM announced it had suspended two officers and relocated a team of officers assigned to Station 39. Police said the measures followed an internal investigation launched in March after reports of allegations of unacceptable conduct by members of the station.
While the investigation remains ongoing, the SPVM said information gathered so far was sufficient to justify immediate action.
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According to the police service, the alleged conduct could constitute serious breaches of the SPVM’s disciplinary code and Quebec’s police ethics code. The SPVM also said possible Criminal Code offences are being examined.
A file has been submitted to the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions.
In a statement released Friday, SPVM Chief Fady Dagher described the situation as “completely unacceptable” and said racism and discriminatory behaviour would not be tolerated within the police service.
“I won’t hide the fact that it shocks me deeply,” Dagher said. “Maintaining a bond of trust with all communities is crucial. Our commitment to fighting racism and discrimination remains constant and unwavering. I can assure you that racism and any reprehensible behavior have no place here and will not be tolerated. The actions taken today are proof of that.”
The COBP, founded in 1995, advocates against police brutality, racial profiling and abuses of power. The group says it supports people who have experienced police misconduct, helps individuals navigate the police ethics complaint process and provides public education about legal rights.
The organization also conducts research and monitoring activities, including documenting police interactions in public spaces and publishing information related to policing, civil liberties and accountability.
