Overview

• Montreal police will begin immediately instructing officers to tell citizens why they are being stopped and that they are free to walk away unless under detention.
• The policy update responds to a 2019 study showing Indigenous, Black and Arab residents were disproportionately subjected to street checks.
• Advocacy groups including the Ligue des droits et libertés say the amendment is insufficient and call for a complete ban on street checks to end systemic bias.
• Full electronic documentation of stops will be mandated after computer upgrades are installed this fall to enable ongoing analysis.
• Montreal’s public security commission will hold a livestreamed review session so residents can question officials about the revised directive.