Annual report

In January 2017, the Affliction project was launched by the Anti-gang squad of the organized crime division. This broad investigation targeted a major criminal cell involved in the large-scale trafficking of cocaine and the production of synthetic drugs. The investigation revealed that the members of this network were supplying drugs to traditional Italian organized crime, criminal biker gangs and many distribution networks active in Montréal.

Together with various units of the SPVM, police conducted more than twenty searches in the Greater Montréal area and in the Laurentians. This led to the seizure of 42 kilograms of cocaine, approximately 50,000 tablets of synthetic drugs, several kilograms of methamphetamine, 42 weapons, as well as equipment and products used to manufacture drugs. Police also arrested 11 individuals. They faced multiple charges including drug trafficking and conspiracy.

In spring 2017, Montréal was hard hit by flooding due to higher-than-average water levels. The flooding particularly affected areas along the Rivière-des-Prairies in the West, North and East divisions. In early May, police officers were on the ground, ensuring the safety of citizens and controlling traffic. On May 7, a state of emergency was declared and emergency centres sprang into action. While continuing to protect lives and property, the SPVM provided its support to the Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal (SIM) and responded to the needs of the Centre de sécurité civile.

Present on the ground from start to finish, police officers worked with their SIM partners and members of the Canadian Armed Forces, while personnel from the four divisions of the SPVM and the marine and motorcycle units were dispatched to flood areas. Constant communication with the Centre de coordination des mesures d’urgence (CCMU), a central control centre, ensured the coordinated deployment of personnel. Community relations officers and liaison officers of the SPVM visited 1,846 homes and met with 102 citizens to ensure their safety.

The dangerous drug fentanyl entered the Montréal scene a few years ago. Overdose-related deaths have gone up in 2017. In response to this situation, the SPVM has coordinated the reported cases of overdoses to make sure they are processed in an optimal and consistent manner across the territory. Each case is analyzed, and an investigation is launched to better understand the circumstances of the overdose and to find the source of the narcotics.

To humanize its interventions with consumers and provide assistance to overdose victims, the SPVM has focused on the application of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act. It has worked closely with the public health directorate on seeking out solutions. Police officers also proceeded to drug busts targeting both street vendors and the networks involved in the supply, manufacturing and distribution of drugs. Dealers of heroin, one of the main drugs contaminated with fentanyl, were specifically targeted by these operations. Arrests and major seizures were made and laboratories were dismantled, which significantly weakened the illicit fentanyl market.

In 2017, in collaboration with the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), the SPVM launched an awareness campaign entitled, “Traversez sans jouer avec votre vie” (crossing without playing with your life). The campaign was aimed at senior pedestrians, due to their greater vulnerability. In fact, 50% of accident victims are 55 years of age or over. As part of the campaign, the SPVM was pleased to count on the participation of actress and director Louise Latraverse. Issues addressed included staying safe at intersections, evaluating speed and identifying obstacles, in addition to the risks associated with diminished physical, sensory and cognitive faculties due to aging.

The ultimate end of this campaign was to ensure safe road crossings by explaining pedestrian crossing signals and focusing on the importance of being visible before going into an intersection. So before crossing the street, be sure to always establish eye contact with drivers, especially when a heavy vehicle is involved.

In May 2017, the SPVM launched the « Trade in your ticket » project. First introduced as a pilot project, the initiative gives pedestrians and cyclists the chance to have the tickets they received during a targeted operation cancelled by the municipal court of Montréal. Offenders can take advantage of this offer as long as they attend an information and prevention session on pedestrian or bicycle safety. The sessions focus on the road safety practices promoted by the SPVM and SAAQ.

Four SPVM units have participated in the development of this pilot project. The targeted operations took place in high-traffic areas. Project results were subsequently analyzed and recommendations were made to the SPVM management. During these operations, 896 tickets were given out. Of this number, 429 were cancelled by the municipal court of Montréal. « Trade in your ticket » is an original idea from the Service de police de l’agglomération de Longueuil.

In October, a movement denouncing sexual assaults took unprecedented proportions. In the wake of this movement, the SPVM set up a temporary phone line to make it easier for victims to report these crimes. Between October 19 and November 6, 2017, investigators received 460 calls. Of this total, 98 led to a sexual assault case being opened and 34 complaints were transferred to other police departments. In addition, during the same period, SPVM PDQs received 26 sexual assault complaints. Given this significant increase in the number of complaints, investigators from various units joined the sexual assault team to lend them a hand.

On November 6, during a week when the number of phone calls dramatically decreased, the SPVM closed the temporary phone line. In emergency situations, PDQs and 911 remain the first point of contact to report sex-based offences.

On November 6, the video Ullivik and the SPVM: A team at your service was launched at the Ullivik Health Center in Dorval. The video is one of the tools made available to clients arriving at the Centre. It presents basic safety rules and provides information on how to react if under threat. Police officers of PDQ 5, where the Ullivik Center is located, are very familiar with the needs of members of the Inuit community and work every day with the Center on offering prevention tips and support. In fact, two officers from PDQ 5 have been tasked with maintaining close ties with the Center and responding to the concerns and expectations of its clients. The approach involves collaboration among all partners of the sector, as well as other units of the SPVM, given that the clients of the Center often travel to other areas on the territory.