As Montreal marks the beginning of 2026, the integrity of law enforcement has become a central theme of public discourse. On February 10, 2026, Montreal Police Chief Fady Dagher addressed the media following the high-profile arrests of seven Toronto police officers in a sweeping organized crime investigation involving bribery and drug trafficking.
Acknowledgement of Vulnerability
Chief Dagher described the arrests in Ontario as a “sad moment for policing,” but used the opportunity to speak candidly about the risks facing his own department, the Service de Police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM). While emphasizing that the vast majority of his officers act with integrity, Dagher admitted:
- The “Immunity” Myth: Dagher stated that Montreal police are “not immune” to cases where officers are tempted by organized crime.
- Leaking Information: He specifically acknowledged past and ongoing threats regarding the sale of sensitive police databases—such as the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC)—to criminal networks.
“Corruption has no place in policing… but we must acknowledge that organized crime is corrosive and constantly looking for a way in.” — Chief Fady Dagher, February 2026.
Strengthening Oversight and “The Sacred Bond”
To combat these challenges, the SPVM is leaning into its 2024–2026 Strategic Plan, which focuses on what Dagher calls the “sacred bond” with the community. Key measures currently being implemented or debated include:
- Body-Worn Cameras: As of late January 2026, Dagher has renewed his push for body cameras, citing them as a crucial tool for both transparency and protecting officers from false allegations.
- UPAC Surge: Quebec’s anti-corruption unit (UPAC) reported a 30% surge in reports of wrongdoing in the 2024-2025 fiscal year, indicating a higher level of public vigilance and internal whistleblowing.
- Vulnerability Tracking: The SPVM has introduced “safeguards” to identify officers who may be in financial or personal distress, making them potential targets for recruitment by criminal organizations.
The Road Ahead
The SPVM is also transitioning to a more transparent data model. Starting in mid-February 2026, the department will launch a new monthly crime and ethics statistics report, replacing the older quarterly system. This move is designed to provide “real-time” accountability to the citizens of Montreal.
While the recent Toronto scandal served as a warning, the Montreal police leadership is using the moment to reinforce that institutional integrity is not a static achievement, but a constant process of oversight, reform, and community rapprochement.
