2 SPVM officers suspended for alleged acts of humiliation aimed at marginalized groups

Troubling allegations involving two Montreal police officers have led to their suspensions. One of those, first reported by La Presse, involved an on-duty officer allegedly urinating on a homeless person. According to Radio Canada sources, that officer, now 32 years old, allegedly filmed himself humiliating homeless people over 18 months, sometimes urinating on them while they slept. I find it very concerning that that happens to any citizen in Montreal. It's very degrading for anyone to be peed on. I'm going to be very clear, this is a systemic issue. Discrimination and prejudice exist at the heart of the Montreal Police Department and we will not be satisfied with anything less than criminal accusations. The officers' alleged actions were reported by other police officers. An internal investigation had also infiltrated an online group where the officer allegedly posted his videos. That same investigation also led to the suspension of another officer who allegedly took selfies with people of colour he had arrested. An internal investigation is also looking at other allegations of racist gestures by this officer. When they hear something like that, it hurts everybody for sure. It's going to damage credibility, not for the SPVM, you know, but for the entire police community. The officers worked at Station 21, which serves the village and other parts of downtown. Montreal police confirmed the investigation and the suspensions but wouldn't go into further detail citing privacy and professional duties but say that any allegations against its officers are taken very seriously. The police officer was denounced by his colleagues and I find that very positive that that happened and that he was put into suspension right away and I hope the investigation leads to other measures. Every person that ends up sleeping in a refuge, every person that ends up sleeping outside on the street is somebody's brother, somebody's sister, somebody's daughter. And they all deserve dignity and respect. Montreal's mayor is condemning the alleged action, saying that everyone in the city has a right to dignity. She also thanked the officers who reported the alleged behavior and says she will now let the internal investigation run its course.