Independent observer named to monitor Montreal police racism investigation
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MONTRÉAL — Quebec Domestic Security Minister Ian Lafrenière has appointed an independent observer to oversee the investigations into racism allegations involving Montreal police officers, over a week after the force dismantled a patrol unit in Montréal-Nord and suspended two officers.
Lafrenière announced Saturday that lawyer Anne-Marie Boisvert will monitor both the criminal and disciplinary investigations being conducted by the Montreal police service and provide him with a report containing her findings and recommendations.
On June 12, Montreal police leadership said they had dismantled a night patrol unit within Station 39, reassigned 14 officers from public-facing duties, and suspended two others for alleged “discriminatory and racist” behaviour toward citizens. Police Chief Fady Dagher has said case files involving the two suspended officers are with prosecutors who will determine whether to lay criminal charges.
La Presse and Radio-Canada reported that the allegations include that officers cut the hair of racialized citizens to turn it into “trophies.” Dagher has said the reports of haircutting were “part of the allegations.”
