MONTREAL — Black employees within the Montreal Police Service have raised concerns about workplace retaliation following the dismantling of a police patrol unit amid allegations of racist misconduct.
In a letter sent to senior management on June 14, members of a committee representing Black employees said some officers and staff are worried about potential reprisals after colleagues reported alleged misconduct within the force.
The letter was sent just two days after police leadership announced the suspension of two officers and the reassignment of 14 others as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of racism and other inappropriate behaviour.
Montreal Police Chief Fady Dagher revealed that the investigation began in March after information was provided by fellow officers.
“Silence does not build trust. Protecting those who speak out does,” the employees wrote in the letter addressed to deputy director Marc Charbonneau.
The group expressed concern that attempts were being made in certain units to identify whistleblowers who had provided information to investigators.
“As a result, some employees fear reprisals and, in some cases, are even reluctant to go to work,” the letter stated.
The employees called on the police service to ensure strong protections for those who reported misconduct and for individuals cooperating with internal investigations.
The letter, obtained by The Canadian Press through the civil rights advocacy organization Red Coalition, was signed on behalf of a committee representing Black employees but did not identify any individuals by name.
The concerns come as pressure mounts on the Quebec government to launch an independent inquiry into the Montreal police force. Civil rights organizations, community leaders, and several politicians argue that allegations of racism and misconduct within the department have persisted for years and require broader scrutiny.
Advocacy groups say restoring public confidence will require transparency, accountability, and meaningful reforms within the police service.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police officials have not announced whether additional disciplinary measures or criminal proceedings will result from the allegations.
