Montreal Police Officers Suspended Over Racist Trophy Allegations

Sixteen Montreal police officers from Post 39 face disciplinary measures following the dismantling of their unit due to allegations of racist acts. According to reports, officers allegedly used hate speech and collected dreadlocks from detained individuals as trophies, prompting Police Chief Fady Dagher to pursue institutional changes.

Why were the Post 39 officers disciplined?

The unit was dismantled after reports that officers treated detainees with “barbarity,” according to lawyer Me Papa-Mike Diomande. Diomande stated that cutting a person’s hair to keep as a trophy is “cruel and inhumane.”

The allegations involve a group of approximately 15 officers who reportedly held hate speech and collected pieces of “rasta” dreadlocks from people they had intercepted. The Mayor of Montreal stated that any form of racial profiling is “unacceptable.”

Did You Know? 16 officers are currently facing disciplinary measures following the complete dismantling of the Post 39 unit in Montréal-Nord.

What is the legal context of these allegations?

Me Papa-Mike Diomande, who previously secured a conviction against the City of Montreal for racial profiling in 2024, said he was not surprised by the revelations. He noted that while internal denunciations are a step forward, other incidents may have been suppressed.

Montreal police officers suspended amid probe into ‘racist’ acts during interventions

Criminalist Me Fernando Belton stated he had heard reports of repeated actions against adolescents and young adults for a year. Belton noted that several officers previously targeted by ethics complaints were exonerated because their right to silence forced decision-makers to rely on police reports, which he said can differ from the truth.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests that the reliance on internal police reporting over external testimony creates a systemic vulnerability. When officers utilize the right to silence, the lack of independent verification may allow misconduct to persist until a critical mass of internal whistleblowers emerges.

How could this change Montreal police protocols?

Criminalist Me Vicky Powell suggested these events may restart the debate over the mandatory use of body cameras for officers. Powell argued that such measures could prevent racist acts and protect both the officers and the detainees.

Powell stated that pulling hair to the point of ripping it from a head is not mentioned in the Guide for the Use of Force. She noted that if a private citizen performed such an act, they would likely face charges of serious assault.

Police Chief Fady Dagher has expressed a desire to change the current system. Diomande described this reaction as a positive advancement in the effort to reform the department.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which police unit was involved in the allegations?
The allegations center on Post 39, located in Montréal-Nord.

What specific acts were alleged?
Officers are alleged to have used hate speech and collected dreadlocks from detained persons as trophies.

What is the current status of the officers involved?
The unit has been dismantled, and 16 officers are facing disciplinary measures.

Do you believe body cameras are the most effective way to prevent institutional misconduct?