MONTREAL — Internal briefing notes obtained by The Canadian Press reveal that a “radicalized” subculture of officers had formed within a Montreal police station prior to being rocked by allegations of racism and criminal misconduct. The documents were prepared for Montreal Police Chief Fady Dagher’s appearance before a municipal public safety committee.
The records provide previously undisclosed details regarding the decision to disarm and dismantle a 16-member patrol unit at Station 39 in the Montréal-Nord borough in mid-June. According to internal draft speaking notes, a group of officers actively resisted organizational efforts to eliminate misconduct and reform police culture, rejecting progress made by the force in recent years. Allegations under investigation include officers cutting the hair of racialized civilians to keep as trophies.
Police officials confirmed that evidence from the investigation has been forwarded to Quebec prosecutors to determine whether criminal charges will be laid. Meanwhile, experts and anti-racism advocates have expressed deep concern over the internal findings, pointing to a breakdown in the traditional “code of silence” as remaining officers reacted with anger over the dishonor brought upon their uniform.
