Police intervention in Repentigny: serious questions must be asked about the use of force against a 13-year-old child
Repentigny, June 17, 2026 In light of the images and reports concerning the arrest of a 13-year-old boy in Repentigny, during which a police officer allegedly pointed a firearm at the teenager, we express our deep concern regarding the proportionality of the intervention and respect for the principles of child protection. According to the reports, several experts have themselves questioned the necessity of such a use of force in this context.
We fully recognize that police officers have a responsibility to ensure public safety and to intervene when they perceive a threat. However, when a 13-year-old child is involved, authorities also have a duty to prioritize de-escalation approaches and to carefully assess the need to use measures that could have significant psychological consequences.
This intervention raises fundamental questions. Were all available alternatives considered before pointing a firearm at a minor? Was the risk assessment consistent with recognized best practices for youth intervention? Are current protocols adapted to the specific realities of adolescents?
Events of this kind further erode trust between young people, their families, and the institutions responsible for their protection. In many communities, this trust is already severely strained. Therefore, every intervention involving a minor must be analyzed with the utmost transparency to preserve the credibility of the police and ensure respect for children's fundamental rights.
We call for an independent and transparent review of the circumstances surrounding this arrest. This review should assess not only the compliance of the intervention with current policies, but also its appropriateness with regard to the principles of proportionality, injury prevention, and youth protection.
Beyond this specific case, we believe it is time to open a public discussion on police practices involving minors. Children should not be perceived or treated as adults during high-risk interventions. The approaches used must take into account their age, development, and vulnerability.