Montreal police chief Fady Dagher fired seven officers on Monday, November 2, 2026, over severe allegations of racist conduct, discrimination, and mistreatment of vulnerable individuals, marking a historic and unprecedented disciplinary sweep aimed at breaking a deeply entrenched culture of silence within the force.
The dismissal of the seven officers—five stationed at Station 39 in Montreal North and two from Station 21 downtown—comes after months of internal scandals that forced the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) to confront systemic misconduct, Global News reported. Chief Dagher announced during a Monday news conference that the dismissed personnel had immediately surrendered their firearms and badges, emphasizing that these actions were calculated and malicious rather than accidental errors in judgment.
We judge a police officer by the way they treat those who cannot defend themselves,
Dagher stated, as detailed by Global News. Six of the seven officers were already suspended over the preceding months while internal investigations unfolded.
Investigators Probe Officers Accused of Cutting Hair of Racialized Citizens
The investigation into Station 39, situated in a multicultural borough with a long history of community friction and police brutality allegations, began in March following whistleblowing reports of criminal misconduct and racism. Among the most disturbing claims investigated by the force is an accusation that officers cut the hair of racialized citizens to keep as trophies. That specific patrol unit was subsequently dismantled in the summer.
Meanwhile, allegations tied to Station 21 in downtown Montreal involved the mistreatment of unhoused individuals. According to reports first brought to light by La Presse and noted by CTV News, these accusations include an officer allegedly urinating on a homeless person while in uniform, alongside another officer accused of posing for photographs that mocked arrested suspects in humiliating positions.
Referral to the Crown and Potential Criminal Charges
All files concerning the seven dismissed officers are now in the hands of the Quebec Crown prosecution office. Dagher expressed confidence that the gathered evidence is strong enough to warrant criminal proceedings, warning last Friday that the full scope of evidence yet to emerge from these investigations will prove catastrophic.
Dagher stressed that the disciplined personnel represent roughly one per cent of the entire SPVM force, commending the remaining 99 per cent of officers for carrying out their duties ethically.
Mayor Endorses Police Chief Decision as Opposition Demands City Council Appearance
Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada publicly endorsed the chief’s decision during her remarks, telling CTV News that the move was essential for restoring public confidence. Rebuilding the trust is making sure that people are not above the law and they have to respect guidelines and the responsibilities they have that come with their post,
she said.
However, political friction remains present within city governance. The Official Opposition, Projet Montréal, led by Ericka Alneus, urged Martinez Ferrada to summon Dagher before the city council to address deeper structural concerns within the police service.
The police union, the Fraternité des policiers et policières de Montréal, declined to comment on Monday regarding the terminations. Dagher indicated that if any of the fired officers appeal their dismissal and succeed in reinstatement before a tribunal, he will immediately refer them to a disciplinary committee to ensure they never wear the SPVM uniform again.
