Montreal’s police department has developed an action plan to address equity, diversity, inclusion, and combat racism and discrimination within the force. Their goal is not only to rebuild trust with the public but also to create a more inclusive working environment for their employees. The plan includes measures such as training officers on concepts of equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as how to prevent racial profiling and discrimination. Additionally, they have established committees of experts from various communities to address specific issues. However, there are still eight areas that they are actively working on, such as revising the policy on street checks due to allegations of profiling by some officers.
During a public presentation of the plan at Montreal city hall, police director Fady Dagher emphasized that changes to the root causes of discrimination will not happen overnight. It will take time, possibly many years, to fully address these issues. However, he is confident that progress will be made by tackling the underlying causes of discrimination. The plan also includes establishing internal support networks for at-risk groups within the department, such as committees for sexual and gender diversity, support for Black and Afro-descendent employees, and networks for Arabic-speaking officers and civilians. The police chief acknowledges that while progress may not be quick, they are committed to making lasting changes.
Community groups have expressed support for the action plan as a step in the right direction, but have also noted that there is still work to be done. Some are cautiously optimistic about the changes that the police department is implementing, while others are waiting to see tangible results. The police chief has assured the public that the revised policy on street checks should be ready by the fall, showing a commitment to actively addressing issues of racial profiling. The aim is to not only build trust within the community but also to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment within the department itself.
The plan to promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and combat racism and discrimination within Montreal’s police department is a comprehensive approach to addressing systemic issues within the force. By training officers on these key concepts and establishing committees of experts, the department is taking proactive steps to address issues such as racial profiling and discrimination. While progress may be slow and require years to fully implement, the police chief is confident that by addressing the root causes of discrimination, lasting change can be achieved. The establishment of internal support networks for at-risk groups within the department further demonstrates a commitment to creating an inclusive working environment for all employees.
Overall, the action plan presented by Montreal’s police department is a positive step towards creating a more equitable and inclusive environment within the force. The commitment to rebuilding trust with the community, addressing issues of racial profiling, and establishing internal support networks shows a dedication to promoting diversity and combatting discrimination. While there is still work to be done, the acknowledgment of these issues and the proactive steps being taken demonstrate a willingness to enact meaningful change within the department. The revised policy on street checks, which is set to be implemented by the fall, is just one example of the efforts being made to address these issues and work towards a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
