Sixteen Montreal Police Officers Investigated for Racist Gestures

Sixteen officers from the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) attached to post 39 are being investigated for alleged hateful and racist gestures, authorities announced on June 14, 2026. The inquiry focuses on conduct that is described as racist and discriminatory, prompting a formal review of the officers’ actions.

The mayor of Montreal‑Nord responded publicly, condemning both racism and profiling in law‑enforcement. In a statement released the same day, the mayor emphasized that any form of prejudice undermines community trust and called for accountability within the police service.

The investigation was launched after reports of the gestures surfaced, leading the SPVM to place the sixteen officers under scrutiny. While details of the specific incidents have not been disclosed, the focus remains on determining whether the conduct violated departmental policies or criminal statutes.

Montreal‑Nord, a borough of the city of Montreal in Quebec, has been the setting for the controversy. The mayor’s remarks were intended to reassure residents that the municipal government takes allegations of bias seriously and will support a transparent process.

The SPVM has not released the names of the officers involved, nor has it provided a timeline for the conclusion of the investigation. The department’s standard procedure in such cases involves internal review, possible disciplinary action, and coordination with external oversight bodies when required.

Community groups have been monitoring the situation, noting that the mayor’s condemnation aligns with broader calls for reform and greater oversight of police practices across the province. The investigation into post 39 is one of several recent inquiries into police conduct in Quebec, reflecting heightened public attention to issues of racism and profiling.

As the inquiry proceeds, both the SPVM and municipal officials have pledged to keep the public informed about the progress and outcomes of the investigation, underscoring a commitment to upholding ethical standards within the police force.