Montreal police chief says he has experienced racial profiling from both sides

Montreal police chief Fady Dagher has revealed he has faced racial profiling from both victims and perpetrators throughout his career. In an interview, Dagher disclosed he had previously used racial profiling while working with the Montreal police anti-gang squad in the 1990s. A conversation with a street-gang member prompted Dagher to alter his approach.

Following the September 11 terrorist attacks, Dagher also experienced racial profiling while traveling through airports in Canada and abroad. Dagher, born in Ivory Coast to parents of Lebanese origin, is the first racialized person to lead the Montreal police force. He made these comments following a public meeting where residents questioned him about a racism and misconduct scandal at a local police station.

The allegations resulted in the dismantling of a 16-member patrol unit at the Montréal-Nord station in June. Dagher attributes the suspensions to two separate incidents involving two complainants.