STM speeds up steps to change its inspectors’ status

Press release

The Board of Directors of the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) adopted a resolution this evening whereby the Chief Executive Officer will speed up the necessary steps to obtain the designation of special constable for STM inspectors.

Montréal, April 3, 2019 – The Board of Directors of the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) adopted a resolution this evening whereby the Chief Executive Officer will speed up the necessary steps to obtain the designation of special constable for STM inspectors. Given the importance of the bond of trust between STM inspectors and the population, the steps in changing the inspectors’ status will include a series of meetings with Montréal civil society stakeholders.

“The steps that we are accelerating this evening are the result of careful consideration by the members of the Board of Directors and are consistent with the logic of our 2025 Strategic Organizational Plan aimed at improving customer experience,” said Philippe Schnobb, Chairman of the STM Board of Directors, at the end of the Board meeting.

Further to numerous Board discussions over the past few months, the Board members agreed that certain tools are necessary for STM inspectors to contribute in a tangible way to improving customer experience, as follows:

  • Improve traffic flow in reserved lanes and drop-off areas: In keeping with the provisions of the Highway Safety Code, allow the issuing of tickets and towing of vehicles obstructing these lanes and areas.
  • Improve the safety of the public transit network: Proceed with the arrest, on reasonable grounds, of a person who has committed a crime and hand him or her over to the police, in accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Code, and intervene in the case of a person suspected of harassment.
  • Improve analytical tools: In accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Code, enable access to the various databases reserved for use by peace officers.

With the change in the inspectors’ status, an important element of accountability will be added. STM inspectors will thus be subject to the Police Act and, consequently, the authority of the Commissaire à la déontologie policière (police ethics commissioner). In addition, the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI) will be able to take over investigations as needed.

The new aspects of the inspectors’ profile will require additional training, and it goes without saying that the inspectors’ enhanced responsibilities will have to be coordinated with the police duties currently performed by the SPVM. It should also be stressed that the STM is in no way advocating for its inspectors to be equipped with firearms.

Special constables are employed by transit authorities in places like Ottawa, Toronto, Edmonton and Calgary. In Quebec, they are found in courthouses and certain government buildings, in some municipalities, and in institutions and organizations such as Université de Montréal, Hydro-Québec and the SAAQ.

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Source: medias@stm.info