Quebec police ethics commissioner opens investigation into Station 39 racism allegations
The Red Coalition's complaint about Montreal North police misconduct has triggered a formal file after years of reported discrimination.
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Quebec's police ethics commissioner has opened a formal investigation into allegations of racism and misconduct at Montreal police Station 39, following a complaint filed by the Red Coalition, an anti-racism organization.
The commissioner confirmed the file on Wednesday after the Red Coalition submitted details about police misconduct and ethical violations targeting racialized individuals and SPVM employees at the Montreal North station. "This is a significant moment in the history of Quebec with regards to racial profiling and discrimination," said Joel DeBellefeuille, the Red Coalition's founder and executive director.
Late last week, the SPVM revealed two officers from Station 39 had been suspended following allegations of racism. Fourteen others have been transferred or reassigned to duties without public contact. Several media outlets reported that officers allegedly cut the hair of racialized people to use as trophies—a detail confirmed by SPVM Chief Fady Dagher.
The Red Coalition also filed a public interest complaint with the Quebec Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission to address systemic patterns of discriminatory conduct and racial harassment at Station 39 and potentially beyond.
Alain Babineau, the Red Coalition's director of racial profiling and public safety, said investigators need to examine how long the misconduct occurred and when supervisors and managers first became aware. "I'm very concerned about the managers and the supervisors that were supposed to oversee the behaviour of their officers on the streets," he said. The SPVM stated it is conducting its own internal investigation and declined to comment further.