Quebec calls inquiry into 'systemic' problems in Montreal police service

Quebec's public security minister is launching an inquiry into what he is calling "systemic"problems within the Montreal police service.

At a news conference Friday afternoon, Martin Coiteuxsaid the inquiry will examine how Montreal police have handled internal investigations.

The police servicehas come under increasing scrutiny in recent days, amid allegation its internal affairs department fabricated evidence against whistleblowers.

• Montreal police accused of fabricating evidence to silence whistleblowers

Montreal police Chief Philippe Pichet asked theSretdu Quebec to investigate the allegations, a move that Coiteuxsaid he supported andcontinues to support.

Coiteux said his decision to call for a parallel "administrative investigation" of the Montreal policeis based on new allegations that were brought to his attention Thursday night and Friday morning.

"I was informed that a number of additional cases were signaled to the Sret du Quebecsince the forcewasassigned to the case," he said.

Pichetstressed that he has always been willing to cooperate with any investigation to help shed light on the situation.

"We can talk of crisis, but also this is an opportunity," Pichetsaid.

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'We have to look at the force as a whole'

He said the allegations reveal serious "systemic" issues with how the SPVM handles internal investigations, and those allegationswill be the focus of the new inquiry.

"We have to look at the force as a whole," he said.

Internal investigations and management within the Montreal police department, known by its French acronym SPVM, are of special interest to the inquiry, Coiteuxsaid.

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Pichet will remain in place during the inquiry, Coiteux said.

However, he said he's asked the chief to provide a plan of action for shoring up public confidence in the force and "preventing the situation from getting worse."

When asked if he has confidence in the chief, Coiteuxwould only said "it's important to shed light on the situation."

"It's important to go above and beyond what we're hearing and the allegations, and then we'll draw our conclusions."

Pichet took to Twitter to pledge his "full collaboration" with the person who leads the administrative inquiry.

That person will be namedin the coming days, Coiteux said, adding they will have all the powers and immunity of a commissioner under Quebec'slaw governingcommissions of inquiries.

Their report will be made public.

SQ investigation beefed up, BEI can't help

Given the growing number of allegations facing the SPVM, Coiteux also announced additional measures to help the SQ with its investigation into possible criminal activities inside the Montreal force.

The SQ will now get help from investigators working with police inQuebec City, Longueuil andGatineau.

Also, the RCMP will increase the number of its officers assisting the SQ investigation.

Coiteuxalso addressed calls to involve Quebec's independent investigation bureau, the BEI, created last year.

He maintained the position that the BEIhas limited resources andalready has its hands full with a number of investigations.

"It's not in a position to handle this major case," he said, adding that's it's not a question of confidence in the bureau.

Coiteux said he's asked theBEI'sdirector, Madeleine Giauque, to co-manage the SQ investigation.

He also announced steps toexpand the BEI's mandate eventually, to include investigations in whichpublic confidence in police is at stake.

Giovanni Di Feo, a former Montreal police officer and one of the three whistleblowers who went public this week to allege they were targeted by SPVM internal affairs, declined to comment on today'sdevelopments.

Coderresupports inquiry, stands by Pichet

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre said he supports Coiteux'sdecision, noting his own efforts to "clean up" corruption in the city.

He also maintained his support forPichet, whom he appointed chief of police in 2015.

"It's important to remember what was said about Pichet when he was first appointed," Coderre said.

"He's not part of any clan, and from the beginning he's taken action to make structural changes, and this is what's come out. So it's totally normal that he should have our full confidence."

Coderre said he'll wait for the results of the new inquiry.

"Once we have the results, we will take action."

He ended by saying the "vast majority" of police are doing goodwork, and that shouldn't be forgotten.

"Don't put everybody in the same basket," he said.

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