Police ethics commissioner and watchdog investigating Montreal police

MONTRÉAL — Quebec’s internal security minister says a provincial police ethics commissioner and an independent watchdog will both investigate the suspension of a Montreal police officer over allegations of criminal conduct in interactions with homeless people.

Guy Jr. Lapointe says in a news release that an independent investigation was needed to maintain public trust.

Lapointe says the Montreal police chief had informed him of a criminal allegation involving an officer.

The daily newspaper La Presse was the first to report allegations of misconduct by two police officers from a station in the city’s downtown area.

One officer allegedly urinated on unhoused people while on duty, while another officer allegedly posed for photos mocking a suspect placed in a humiliating position during an arrest.

Lapointe says he asked both the watchdog and the commissioner to conduct their own investigation into the criminal allegation and of the conduct of the officer or officers involved.

Police confirmed on Oct. 16 that two of its officers were suspended and were subject to internal investigations by the professional standards unit.

“This isn’t a vote of non-confidence toward the Montreal police, nor is it calling into question the quality of their investigation,” Lapointe said. “Rather, it is a question of transparency. It is clear to me that, in this specific case, the investigation needs to be done by an external body in order to maintain public trust.”

Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada praised the minister’s decision in a social media post on Sunday evening.

She said the alleged behaviour by police was unacceptable and had no place in society.

“The trust of citizens in our institutions is based on respect, integrity and transparency,” she said. “Citizens have the right to have answers. It is essential to shed light on the facts and (ensure) accountability is at the heart of the process.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 26, 2026.

The Canadian Press