My Alerts The Board of Directors of the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) is aware of the unique nature of the images that are being shared of the intervention that took place at Jean-Talon station on April 17 and responds to the concerns expressed by the public by calling on Marco Gaggino, a lawyer specializing in police ethics, who will act as an independent expert to support the STM. The latter will audit the preliminary conclusions of the internal investigation.
Montréal, April 21, 2021 – The Board of Directors of the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) is aware of the unique nature of the images that are being shared of the intervention that took place at Jean-Talon station on April 17 and responds to the concerns expressed by the public by calling on Marco Gaggino, a lawyer specializing in police ethics, who will act as an independent expert to support the STM. The latter will audit the preliminary conclusions of the internal investigation.
“I realize that what happened can seem shocking,” says Philippe Schnobb, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the STM. “We read, listen to and see what is being said and posted, and realize that the relationship between us and our customers has been shaken by the content of the video. As a public transit provider, maintaining the trust and security of our customers is essential, which is why we rely on an independent external expert”
The preliminary conclusions of the internal investigation, including a study of the various available video clips, indicate that, during the intervention, the inspectors followed the rules regarding the use of force that they were taught at the École nationale de police du Québec. The STM has asked Me Gaggino to audit the analysis and is open to accepting and implementing recommendations that could result from it..
“Our inspectors have a complex job. I want us to look at what led to this intervention and what could be done to reduce the need for this type of approach in the future.,” says Luc Tremblay, Chief Executive Officer of the STM.
Increased accountability
The gradual change in status of inspectors to special constables as of July 2021 will be accompanied by enhanced training. The constables will also be subject to the Police Act and, consequently, the authority of the Commissaire à la déontologie policière. The Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI) will be able to take over investigations in accordance with the Act.
