Montreal police chief Fady Dagher is facing anonymous reports to Quebec’s police ethics commissioner from officers who question his impartiality in the handling of seven police employees dismissed by the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal.
The reports were filed after the SPVM dismissed seven officers on November 2 following internal investigations into allegations involving racist, discriminatory and otherwise unacceptable conduct.
The dismissals were administrative measures, and the allegations have not been tested in a criminal trial.
The officers who made the reports are challenging Dagher’s public statements and his role in the disciplinary process.
They argue that his comments and decisions could raise questions about whether the matter was handled independently and fairly.
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What the reports allege about Fady Dagher
The reports are understood to focus on statements Dagher made while discussing the misconduct investigations and the decision to remove the seven officers from the service.
One concern involves Dagher’s public promise to pursue those responsible “without mercy” and his reference to wanting to “avenge” citizens if the allegations were proven.
The comments drew criticism from the Montreal police union, which said the language was incompatible with the principles of Canadian justice.
The officers who filed the reports say public comments of that nature could undermine the presumption of innocence of the employees involved.
They also question whether the SPVM’s internal professional-standards division should have led the investigation while the chief was publicly involved in the response.
At least one report is said to request that the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes, or another outside body, take over the investigation to reduce concerns about possible pressure on investigators.
How Quebec’s police ethics rules apply
Article 9 of Quebec’s Code of Ethics of Québec Police Officers requires officers to perform their duties with disinterest and impartiality.
It also bars them from placing themselves in a conflict of interest that could compromise their impartiality or adversely affect their judgment and loyalty.
The provision normally applies to conduct by police officers in their dealings with the public.
Whether it can apply to a police chief’s management decisions and public statements will depend on the facts established by the commissioner.
That means the reports do not establish that Dagher committed an ethics violation.
Investigators would have to examine the chronology of his statements, the decisions taken in the disciplinary cases, his personal involvement in those decisions and the safeguards used to protect procedural fairness.
What happens next
The Quebec police ethics commissioner first conducts a preliminary analysis of a complaint or report.
The commissioner may then reject the matter, refer a complaint to conciliation or order an investigation.
Under the commissioner’s published process, an investigation may be ordered when the matter is considered to be in the public interest, including when public confidence in policing could be seriously compromised.
A report against a police director can also raise practical questions about notification and confidentiality.
The commissioner’s office says a person targeted by a report is notified after the person has been identified and a decision has been made to reject the report or open an investigation.
There was no public finding on November 6 that Dagher had breached Quebec’s police ethics code.
The reports remain allegations that must be assessed through the appropriate process.
The wider dispute at the SPVM
The ethics reports add another layer to a growing dispute over how the SPVM has dealt with allegations of misconduct inside its ranks.
Dagher has defended the disciplinary response and said the service must act when investigations uncover conduct that damages public confidence.
The seven dismissals followed months of scrutiny involving police work in Montreal neighbourhoods and allegations of racist or discriminatory behaviour.
The officers making the reports say they do not necessarily endorse the conduct attributed to the dismissed employees.
Their objection is instead focused on the fairness of the process, the chief’s public language and the independence of the investigation.
The next significant development will be a decision by the police ethics commissioner on whether the reports will proceed beyond preliminary analysis.
Any formal investigation could clarify the scope of Dagher’s involvement and whether the conduct alleged falls within the ethics code.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the reports against Fady Dagher about?
The anonymous reports question Dagher’s impartiality and public statements in connection with the dismissal of seven SPVM officers.
Has Fady Dagher been found guilty of an ethics violation?
No. The reports are allegations, and there was no public finding on November 6, 2026 that he breached Quebec’s police ethics code.
What is Article 9 of Quebec’s police ethics code?
Article 9 requires police officers to act with disinterest and impartiality and to avoid conflicts of interest that could affect their judgment or loyalty.
What can the police ethics commissioner do next?
The commissioner can reject the reports, pursue further analysis or order an investigation. A formal finding would require additional proceedings.
Why are the seven SPVM dismissals part of the dispute?
The reports challenge how the dismissals were handled, including Dagher’s public comments, his role in the process and the independence of the internal investigation.
Fact-Checked: Key details were checked against the SPVM’s official director information and the Quebec Commissioner of Police Ethics’ published code and complaint procedures. ([spvm.qc.ca](https://spvm.qc.ca/fr/Pages/decouvrir-le-spvm/lorganisation/Directeur-du-SPVM?utm_source=openai))
Disclaimer: The reports described in this article are allegations and do not establish that Fady Dagher committed an ethics violation.