Montreal – The Quebec coroner’s office has recommended that the Montreal police reexamine and amend their use‑of‑force policies, specifically the hogtie restraint method, after it was identified as a probable factor in the 2025 death of 29‑year‑old Géhane Kamel.
The coroner’s investigation concluded that the manner in which the hogtie technique was applied likely contributed to the fatal outcome. The report, released by the office of the Quebec coroner, states that the restraint technique can impair breathing and should be subject to stricter oversight when used by law‑enforcement officers.
In response, the coroner’s office urged the Montreal police service to conduct a comprehensive review of its current protocols governing the use of the hogtie position. The recommendation includes revising training materials, establishing clearer criteria for when the technique may be employed, and implementing monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance.
Police officials have acknowledged receipt of the coroner’s findings and indicated that they will assess the recommendations. The department’s spokesperson noted that the agency is committed to aligning its practices with best‑practice standards and will consider any procedural changes deemed necessary.
The case of Géhane Kamel, a 29‑year‑old individual who died in 2025 while in police custody, has drawn renewed attention to the broader issue of restraint methods used by law‑enforcement agencies across the province. While the coroner’s report focuses on the specific incident, it also highlights the potential health risks associated with certain positioning techniques during arrests.
The recommendation arrives as part of an ongoing dialogue between medical examiners, community groups, and police services concerning the safety of restraint practices. No further legal actions have been reported at this stage, and the coroner’s office emphasized that its role is to provide factual findings and guidance rather than to assign criminal liability.
The Montreal police department is expected to present a plan for policy revision in the coming weeks, as it seeks to address the concerns raised by the coroner and to ensure that future encounters do not result in similar outcomes.