Union leader Yves Francoeur, who was present at the swearing-in ceremony and handover of powers to the new director of the Montreal Police Department, reiterated his willingness to work closely with the new director of the Montreal City Police Department (SPVM), Fady Dagher, in the coming years.
I had good comments about the new chef. I’ve known him for a long time. We even worked together at the SPVM, said the president of the Montreal Police Officers’ Brotherhood.
Yves Francoeur, President of the Montreal Policemen’s Brotherhood
Photo: Radio-Canada / Claude Lamontagne, cinematographer
Aware of Fady Dagher’s intentions to build the local police force in the metropolis as in Longueuil, Mr. Francoeur is adapted to the reality of Montreal and believes that the conditions for the implementation of large-scale projects in the metropolis are not met.
We believe that he will realize very quickly that the SPVM lacks police officers. Unfortunately, this reality affecting our workforce will slow down the projects he wants to implement, says the union leader.
“Currently, given what we are witnessing in terms of urban violence and shootings, we at the SPVM are not in a position to release officers on the ground for a policing model for community consultations in the near future. »
— A quote from Yves Francoeur, President of the FPPM
Last week, the Brotherhood released its internal membership count:
- January 1, 2022: 4,401 police officers
- December 31, 2022: 4,366 police officers
- January 11, 2023: 4356 police officers
Retirements and police officers leaving the service voluntarily to pursue careers in other organizations continue to disrupt the ranks of the SPVM.
The Quebec government last August announced 450 additional police officers over a five-year period. Today we are 45 fewer police officers than at the same time last year. We’re standing still. We must first work on making the SPVM more attractive for the next generation, claims Mr. Francoeur.
The new director is aware of the recruitment challenge
In his speech, the new police chief showed that he is well aware of this topic, which awaits him in the coming months at the helm of Canada’s second largest municipal police agency.
He also directed part of his speech to the prospective police officers, who were able to watch his swearing-in live on national television channels.
Yes, life is more expensive in Montreal. Yes, the work is more intense, more complex, better known than elsewhere. They are more exposed and challenged. All of this is true, Principal Dagher agreed.
The Service de Police de la Ville de Montréal will need to fill its ranks with prospective police officers over the coming years to keep operating in the city.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Claude Lamontagne, cinematographer
And at the heart of a police officer, he challenged the next generation who has the courage to take on challenges.
But remember [aspirants policiers] why did you register [en] police techniques. I assume you wanted to make a difference: protect the population, fight criminals. Here in Montreal, where 72% of crime and mental distress cases are uncovered, you can make a difference, a very big difference, added SPVM’s new head.
During a press conference after the ceremony, Fady Dagher said he intends to speak directly to future police officers who will be training at the National Police School of Quebec in Nicolet.