A high-ranking black officer says racism is “a cancer eating away” at the Montreal Police Department (SPVM) as he leaves the organization.
Commander Patrice Vilcéus, of Haitian origin, hangs up his cap after 30 years with the Montreal police.
“Throughout this career, I have been careful not to remain a mere observer in the face of racism, racial profiling and social challenges,” wrote Mr. Vilcéus, in a farewell letter whose The Press obtained a copy. “The scientific research commissioned by the SPVM is a flagrant example of this cancer that is eating away at the organization and judgment of the Superior Court […] is the apotheosis of it.” Mr. Vilcéus is referring to the decision that recently accepted a class action of 170 million led by the Black League against the City of Montreal.
“How can we serve all populations if some internally are not listened to, respected and are on the contrary discredited?”, continues the senior officer, using the expression of police chief Fady Dagher. However, he adds that he is leaving without bitterness and thanks the big boss of the SPVM for his contribution.
Patrice Vilcéus joined the SPVM in 1994 and worked his way up to the head of the organization, including roles as an undercover agent and detective sergeant.
“It is crucial to overcome the resistance of some managers who defend the status quo with sterile visions,” writes Mr. Vilcéus. “These stagnant managers who trivialize critical thinking are not numerous, but they occupy strategic positions, so their capacity for harm is great.”
In 2020, following the murder of George Floyd in the United States, Mr. Vilcéus had already denounced “racism and racial profiling” within the SPVM.
“It’s not just a question of one bad apple,” he wrote in a letter shared with other SPVM executives. “Our organization must concretely step up its fight against racism and racial profiling that still exist, both within its walls and during certain interventions. The SPVM must be a leader in this surge of awareness. Like so many others, it is important to me to see my organization shine on these issues.”