Racism is “a cancer that is eating away” at the Montreal Police Service (SPVM), a high-ranking officer of Haitian origin has just stated 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,” Mr. Vilcéus wrote in a farewell letter that The Press obtained.
“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 of the Superior Court of Quebec which recently accepted a class action of 170 million led by the Black League against the City of Montreal.
“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.”
“How can we serve all populations if some internally are not listened to, respected, and are on the contrary discredited?”, continues the resigning 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. “I did not hesitate to criticize the excessively strict evaluations towards some and the more favorable treatment towards others, to guarantee equal opportunities for all.”
The SPVM has not commented on the content of this departure letter.
A denunciation in 2020
Patrice Vilcéus joined the SPVM in 1994 and worked his way up to the organization’s top management, including roles as an undercover agent and detective sergeant. He notably led the Éclipse group, which was responsible for cracking down on crimes committed by street gangs and other criminal organizations.
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 sent to 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.”
He made headlines in 2015 after a work bag he left in his car parked in downtown Montreal was stolen. The bag contained a USB key with highly sensitive information, leading to a manhunt to catch the thief.
Patrice Vilcéus was suspended from his position for more than two years, from 2017 to 2019, after a complaint from the Montreal Police Brotherhood for attempted interference following an arrest. The Crown never laid charges in this case.
At the time of his departure, he was on loan to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police “where he is contributing to the Haiti mission to support the police forces and promote stability in this Caribbean country,” according to the City of Montreal website.