The Minister of Public Security, François Bonnardel, refuses to comment on the absence of data and the over-representation of police officers accused in the context of domestic or sexual violence. Oppositions and organizations are urging him to act to better protect victims.
“Ignoring or denying that there is a problem does not help, especially in the absence of accurate statistics. To act well, it is essential to rely on reliable data,” he told Duty Jennifer Maccarone, Liberal spokesperson for Public Safety. “It would be important to compile data and information in order to be able to put in place an action plan to protect victims, improve the system and offer better support to both victims and police officers,” she adds.
His colleague, Pascal Paradis, spokesperson for the Parti Québécois, says he is “concerned” by the situation. “The government must take care of it, first by ensuring that it obtains conclusive data that will allow it to verify the extent of the phenomenon and to act,” declares the PQ MP who believes that it “seems still have a lot of work to do in terms of prevention and psychological support” for police officers.
An investigation of Duty revealed Monday that one in two police officers accused of criminal offenses in the last five years have been accused of offenses committed in the context of domestic or sexual violence. A proportion twice as high as in the general population. The investigation of Duty also highlights that even though they face criminal charges, some police officers have been able to keep their jobs and their weapons.
Does the over-representation of police officers accused in cases of domestic or sexual violence compared to the general population worry the Ministry of Public Security of Quebec? Does the latter intend to collect information about police officers accused of such offenses? Should the Police Act be revised? To these three questions posed separately, the office of the Minister of Public Security François Bonnardel returned in writing to the Duty exactly the same answer.
In its written statement, his office ensures that it will spare no effort to combat sexual violence and domestic violence among the entire population. He also recalls that police officers are subject to the same laws as all Quebecers and that they must comply with a code of ethics as part of their duties. “They are expected to do so and there are consequences when they do not.” The management of the police forces must then take appropriate measures,” he specifies.
Remember that the minister refused to grant an interview to Duty as part of this investigation.
“There is a need for a position and transparency [de la part du ministère et des corps de police] », Estimates Louise Riendeau, from the Regroupement des shelters de femmes.
Liberal MP Jennifer Maccarone says she is troubled by the over-representation of police officers accused in cases of sexual or domestic violence. “It is worrying to see over-representation in some cases. We should not generalize, but it is important to take an interest and ask questions. Why does such overrepresentation exist? Why isn’t the ministry compiling this information? », she questions.
” The tree that hides the forest “
The director of the Federation of women’s shelters, Manon Monastesse, is not surprised by the statistics revealed by The duty. “I have been with the Federation for 18 years and it has always been one of the major issues,” she notes.
For her, it is only “the tree that hides the forest”. “We see how difficult it is for a woman who has a police spouse to file a complaint, but we are far from imagining to what extent they see very little possibility of being heard,” says M.me Monastery.
The one who often has to work with peace officers says she is concerned about the reintegration of the majority of police officers accused of domestic violence into the police force. “I wonder how these men will welcome women who come to the police station to complain about sexual assault. »
The speaker deplores that these lawyers do not act up to the status they represent in society. “We talk out of both sides of our mouths. […] Police officers must be impeccable 24 hours a day, even if they are not wearing their uniform, she emphasizes. Otherwise, it puts the population on their guard, especially when we are talking about serious accusations like these. »
Louise Riendeau, from the Regroupement des shelters de femmes, recalls that domestic violence takes place in a context of abuse of power.
“I am not surprised that people in positions of power, like the police, use domestic or sexual violence. That being said, the investigation [du Devoir] still shows that they are accused, that in certain cases they face ethics and that is reassuring. But if I put myself in the shoes of a victim, I would be worried,” says M.me Riendeau.
“The ministry often responds that it is not the employer of the police officers, but there is an inspection service which is there to assess whether the interventions comply with the police practice guide. Could we find a way to ensure the proper management of police forces in these situations? ”, she asks.