Montreal police explain why it took a day to dismantle unit accused of misconduct

Dismantling a patrol unit means ending that team’s operation and replacing or redistributing its members. Suspension temporarily removes individual officers from duty, usually during an investigation.

In Montreal, Chief Fady Dagher dismantled a 16-member unit after allegations of racism and criminal misconduct. All members left regular duties: two were suspended, three received administrative duties, and 11 were reassigned. This stopped the team, but did not suspend everyone.

Police said logistical issues delayed the move nearly a day after investigators found grounds for decisive action. Officers remained armed and answered emergency calls from June 11 at 9 p.m. until June 12 at 6:30 a.m. By August, four officers were suspended, while evidence involving four went to prosecutors. Dismantling addresses the unit’s operation; suspension addresses individual employment status and possible discipline.

Montreal’s unit had 16 officers. They stayed armed and available for emergency calls for nearly a full day after decisive action became justified. That gap matters because officers faced allegations of racism and criminal misconduct, yet remained operational while replacements were arranged.

Investigators reached the action threshold on June 11. The officers worked from 9 p.m. that night until about 6:30 a.m. June 12. Police said logistical issues, including replacing everyone without interrupting services, delayed dismantling until 8:30–9 p.m.

By August, four officers had been suspended, while all 16 had left regular duties. Evidence involving four officers went to prosecutors, who had not announced charges. Critics said officers could have been removed from patrol sooner, while replacements were organized.

Montreal police began investigating the 16-member unit in March after internal complaints alleged racism and criminal misconduct. The allegations mattered because the team patrolled Montréal-Nord, where tensions between residents and police were already high.

Reports said some officers cut racialized residents’ hair and kept it as trophies. Investigators later recorded that the evidence had reached a threshold for “decisive management actions” on June 11. Police referred evidence involving four officers to prosecutors, who had not decided on charges.

Police dismantled the unit on June 12, after arranging replacements for emergency-call coverage. All 16 officers left regular duties: two were initially suspended, three assigned administrative work, and 11 reassigned. By August, four officers were suspended, while the investigation and prosecutors’ review continued.

Police said they needed nearly a day because replacing all 16 officers without interrupting emergency service required planning. The team was still assigned emergency calls during its June 11 overnight shift.

Investigators reached the point for “decisive management actions” on June 11. Yet police dismantled the unit between 8:30 and 9 p.m. on June 12, after arranging replacements.

Police did not say whether officers contacted the public during that gap. Critics argued they could have removed officers from patrol temporarily or suspended them with pay while arranging replacements. The delay intensified concerns about transparency and public trust, especially in Montréal-Nord.

When officers facing serious allegations remain on patrol, public safety can be put at risk. They may still encounter residents, while colleagues must protect evidence and manage potential conflicts of interest. Delayed action can also make communities feel the system protects officers before residents.

In Montreal, investigators found enough evidence for “decisive management actions” on June 11. Yet the 16-member unit stayed armed and answered emergency calls until about 6:30 a.m. June 12. Police dismantled it that evening, citing the need to replace the entire team. They did not say whether officers contacted the public.

The investigation involved alleged racism and criminal misconduct, including claims officers kept racialized citizens’ hair as trophies. Evidence involving four officers went to prosecutors, while four were suspended by August. The delay and a late 10:30 p.m. news conference may deepen distrust, especially in Montréal-Nord, where tensions already run high. Clearer explanations and faster separation from patrol could protect the public and make the investigation more credible.

Investigators collect complaints and evidence, and decide when allegations justify action. The chief manages the force’s response, municipal officials scrutinize it, and prosecutors decide whether criminal charges are warranted.

In Montreal, investigators began examining a 16-member unit in March after internal complaints alleged racism and criminal misconduct. Chief Fady Dagher announced its dismantling June 12. Investigators had reached a threshold for “decisive management actions,” and Alneus pressed him for a fuller explanation. Police reassigned or removed all members, and referred evidence involving four officers to prosecutors.

These roles connect but remain separate. Investigators establish facts; the chief manages officers and public safety; municipal officials provide political scrutiny; prosecutors assess possible charges. Officers stayed armed and active nearly a day after the threshold, raising questions about speed. By August, four were suspended, but prosecutors had not announced charges. The case shows discipline, oversight, and prosecution follow different tracks.