Short answer: If a police officer has failed in their duty — abuse of power, derogatory language, excessive force, profiling — you can file a written complaint at the Police Ethics Commissioner, free of charge, within a period of’one year After the event, you can file a complaint online, by mail, in person, or through a police station. A community organization like LAKAY can help you draft your complaint. The rest of this guide explains which recourse to choose, how to file, what happens next, and mistakes to avoid.

Who to contact? Three different options

Before filing a complaint, you need to know which organization to go to, because they do not all deal with the same things.

1. The Commissioner for Police Ethics. This is the primary recourse for police misconduct. The Commissioner applies the Code of Ethics for Police Officers of Quebec. He deals with misconduct such as abuse of authority, disrespect, unjustified violence, discriminatory remarks, and unlawful searches or detentions. He also covers wildlife protection officers, special constables, highway patrol officers, and UPAC investigators.

2. The Bureau of Independent Investigations (BEI). He intervenes in serious cases: when a person dies or suffers serious injury during a police intervention, or when a police officer is alleged to have committed a sexual offence. In these situations, the matter is not referred to the Commissioner first.

3. The police service itself. If your dissatisfaction relates to the quality of service (for example an unreasonable delay, an internal policy) rather than on a breach of ethics, you should contact the relevant police department directly.

The rest of this guide deals with the most common recourse: the complaint regarding police ethics.

The steps, in order

  1. Make sure your situation falls within the framework. The complaint must target a police officer acting in the course of their duties and concern an act contrary to the Code of Ethics. You can file a complaint if you were a victim or witness to such an act.

  2. Gather your information. Write a clear account: the date, time, place, what happened, what was said, the name or badge number of the police officers if you have it, the patrol car number, and the names of any witnesses. Don't wait: details fade quickly from memory.

  3. Write down the complaint. The complaint must be submitted in writing. You have several options:

    • fill the online form directly on the Commissioner's website;
    • download the PDF form, print it and fill it in;
    • take a telephone appointment to fill it out with a staff member, or submit it orally in certain situations.

  4. File the complaint. You can forward it:

    • directly to the Commissioner (online, by mail, or in person at his offices in Quebec City or Montreal);
    • through any police station, from a roadside checkpoint or an SAAQ service centre, which must then forward it to the Commissioner within five days.

    It is generally preferable to file directly with the Commissioner.

  5. The Commissioner is reviewing your complaint. He decides whether to retain it. Depending on the nature of the case, he may propose the conciliation between you and the police officer, open a investigation, or reject the complaint and explain why.

  6. Monitoring and decision-making. If your complaint is rejected, the Commissioner will send you a summary of the report and inform you of your right to request a review before the Administrative tribunal of police ethics. If the situation warrants it, he can summon the police officer before this court, or forward the file to the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP) when a criminal offence is involved.

Mediation or investigation: what to expect

Once your complaint is accepted, the Commissioner generally chooses between two courses of action. conciliation This is a structured meeting between you and the police officer, facilitated by a neutral mediator, with the aim of reaching an agreement. It is often offered for minor infractions. You are not obligated to accept an agreement that does not suit you, and the mediation remains confidential.’investigation, This procedure is preferred for more serious situations: the Commissioner gathers testimonies and evidence, then decides whether to summon the police officer before the Administrative Tribunal of Police Ethics.

It's normal for the process to take time and for you to be asked for clarification along the way. Keep a copy of everything you send and note the dates of your correspondence with the Commissioner. If you change your address or phone number during the process, notify them so you don't miss any important communications.

The deadlines and the necessary documents

  • Deadline for filing: one year from the date of the event, or the date you became aware that it was a reason for a complaint. Do not exceed this time limit.
  • If your complaint goes through a police station: this one has five days to send a copy to the Commissioner.
  • Documents and useful items to attach or keep:
    • your written account, as precise as possible;
    • any statement of offence or document issued by the police;
    • your photos, videos or recordings;
    • a medical report if you have been injured;
    • the contact details of the witnesses;
    • the name or identification number of the police officers and the patrol car number, if you have them (not essential to file a complaint, but useful).

Contact information for the Police Ethics Commissioner

  • Montreal: 514 864-1784
  • Quebec: 418 643-7897
  • Free of charge (other regions): 1 877 237-7897
  • E-mail : deontologie-policiere.quebec@comdp.gouv.qc.ca
  • Website and forms: deontologie-policiere.gouv.qc.ca

Staff are available Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

What not to do

  • Don't let the one-year deadline pass. This is the most frequent and most damaging mistake. A complaint filed too late may be rejected.
  • Do not file a vague complaint. «"The police officer was unpleasant" without details is difficult to address. Be specific about the facts, dates, and what was said.
  • Do not destroy any evidence and do not modify your recordings or notes.
  • Don't contact the wrong organization. A complaint about service quality sent to the Commissioner, or a case of serious injury that should go to the BEI, risks being redirected and wasting time. If in doubt, seek assistance.
  • Don't give up because the process seems intimidating. You do not have to do everything alone: the Commissioner's staff can help you with the writing, and so can a community organization.
  • If you face criminal charges related to the event, Speak to a lawyer before filing your complaint, to coordinate the two steps.

LAKAY can assist you

Filing a complaint against a police officer can seem daunting, especially when you feel isolated or fear reprisals. LAKAY provides free and confidential support to immigrants and racialized people in Repentigny and Lanaudière. We can help you document the facts, choose the right legal recourse, complete the form, and refer you to a lawyer if needed. The law protects you against reprisals for filing a complaint.

LAKAY
818 Notre-Dame Street, Suite 202, Repentigny, Quebec
Telephone: 514 532-0484
Website: lakaymedia.org
Facebook: facebook.com/lakayrepentigny

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This guide provides general information on the law in force in Quebec. It does not replace legal advice tailored to your specific situation. For advice on a specific case, consult a lawyer or contact LAKAY.