Montreal's police service, the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM), issued a formal prohibition in September 2026 on a restraint technique classified as dangerous after it was linked to a man's death during a crisis. The ban applies to all officers across the city.
The prohibition follows a fatal incident that occurred in 2025, when a person experiencing a mental health crisis died while being restrained with the contested method. An internal review concluded that the technique likely contributed to the fatal outcome, prompting calls for change.
Police leadership announced that the banned method will be removed from standard operating procedures and that officers will undergo revised training that emphasizes alternative, less risky approaches. The department said the updated training will be rolled out over the coming months.
The decision arrives amid heightened scrutiny of police restraint practices after the 2025 death, with community groups and oversight agencies urging clearer guidelines. The SPVM noted that the ban reflects a broader effort to align policing methods with best practices for crisis intervention.
While the specific details of the technique have not been disclosed, officials indicated that the policy change is intended to safeguard both the public and police personnel. The department also said it will monitor compliance and evaluate the impact of the new guidelines.