Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada announced on June 19, 2026 that she will back a moratorium on random, unprovoked police interrogations carried out by the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal. The mayor’s statement comes as the city faces renewed scrutiny over allegations of racism within the police service.
The proposed pause targets stops that are not based on specific suspicion or evidence. Martinez Ferrada said the measure is intended to address community concerns and to allow time for a review of policing practices. The mayor’s endorsement follows a recommendation made in 2023 that called for an end to such random stops, a recommendation that had not been implemented until now.
The announcement was made in Montreal, Quebec, and highlights ongoing tension between the police force and residents who have raised complaints about discriminatory treatment. While the mayor did not provide a timeline for the moratorium, she indicated that the city will work with the SPVM to develop alternatives that respect public safety while reducing the potential for biased encounters.
City officials noted that the move aligns with broader efforts to improve police accountability and to restore public confidence. The SPVM has faced multiple allegations of racism, prompting calls for systemic changes. By supporting the moratorium, the mayor aims to signal that the municipal government is taking the recommendations seriously and is prepared to act on them.
The decision follows months of discussion among community groups, legal experts, and city leaders about the impact of random police stops on minority populations. The mayor’s backing of the moratorium marks a shift from previous inaction on the 2023 recommendation and may set the stage for further reforms within the SPVM.