On June 13, 2026, the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) disclosed that sixteen of its officers are under investigation for alleged hateful and racist gestures. Two of those officers have been suspended while the inquiry proceeds and could face criminal charges if the allegations are substantiated.
The investigation was initiated after complaints were filed alleging that certain police officers engaged in conduct that was discriminatory in nature. The SPVM confirmed that the complaints prompted a formal review of the officers’ behavior, focusing on whether the gestures violated departmental policies and criminal statutes.
According to the police service, the sixteen officers identified for scrutiny are subject to the same investigative procedures applied to any internal misconduct case. The two officers placed on suspension are being held out of active duty pending the outcome of the inquiry, and the suspension remains in effect while possible criminal proceedings are evaluated.
The SPVM has not released the identities of the officers involved or detailed the specific gestures in question. It emphasized that the investigation will follow established protocols to determine whether the actions constitute hate‑related offenses under Quebec law. The police service also noted that any findings of wrongdoing could result in disciplinary measures, including termination, as well as legal action.
This probe represents a response to community concerns about bias within law‑enforcement ranks. By launching the investigation, the SPVM aims to address the complaints and uphold standards of conduct expected of its personnel. The outcome of the review will be communicated by the police service as it becomes available.
The case underscores the ongoing scrutiny of police behavior in Montreal and the mechanisms in place to investigate alleged breaches of conduct, particularly those involving hate‑related allegations.