In a recent development, a Black Montreal police officer has taken legal action against four provincial counterparts and Quebec’s attorney general, alleging racial profiling in an off-duty encounter. Represented by lawyer Fernando Belton, the plaintiff, whose identity remains protected by a court order, has brought forward a lawsuit to address what he perceives as unjust treatment.
The incident occurred on September 21, 2021, when the plaintiff, a seasoned 43-year-old police officer with 15 years of experience, was visiting his sister in Joliette, Quebec. Operating his vehicle in compliance with traffic regulations, the plaintiff, attired in civilian clothing, had just arrived at his sister’s residence when officers from the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) initiated a stop.
According to the plaintiff’s account detailed in the lawsuit filed in Quebec Superior Court, he identified himself as a member of the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) and presented his badge, alleging racial profiling by the SQ officers.
Belton characterized the incident as a typical example of “driving while Black,” referencing the disproportionate scrutiny often faced by Black individuals, particularly when driving high-end vehicles.
The situation escalated rapidly, with the SQ summoning additional units for backup. The lawsuit alleges that the plaintiff was subjected to undue force, including the forcible seizure of his wallet and being forcefully restrained to the ground during the encounter.
The SQ purportedly justified the stop by citing instructions to intercept vehicles from outside the city due to an anti-mask protest. However, the lawsuit challenges such arbitrary stops, asserting that they constitute a violation of civil liberties, as previously ruled by a Quebec Superior Court judge in October 2022.
Seeking recourse for the damages incurred, the plaintiff is pursuing punitive damages exceeding $100,000. Belton highlighted his client’s diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the incident, exacerbated by a subsequent complaint filed against him by SQ officers with the SPVM, contributing to a hostile work environment.
In addition to seeking financial compensation, the lawsuit calls for comprehensive training for SQ officers to address racial profiling and advocates for transparent data collection and reporting on police interceptions based on perceived racial identity.
This legal action stands as a testament to the ongoing struggle against systemic discrimination within law enforcement and underscores the imperative for accountability and reform to ensure equal treatment under the law.