Diversity

Dimitris Ilias
LJI Journalist

The Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) is actively seeking candidates for its AEC Diversité policière et profil social program, an initiative aimed at increasing diversity within law enforcement. The program is designed to attract individuals from diverse backgrounds and those with expertise in social sciences, offering them a unique pathway into policing.
This recruitment effort comes at a critical time for communities like Parc-Extension, where issues of representation, cultural sensitivity, and community policing have long been at the forefront of civic discussions. As one of Montreal’s most diverse neighborhoods, Parc-Extension is home to a significant immigrant population, many of whom have expressed concerns over trust in law enforcement and equitable policing.
A Pathway to a More Representative Police Force
The AEC Diversité policière et profil social program specifically targets two groups:
Individuals from diverse backgrounds who hold a Diplôme d’études collégiales (DEC) or a bachelor’s degree.
Graduates in social sciences-related fields.
Selected candidates will undergo an intensive 30-week training program in police techniques, followed by a 15-week patrol officer training session at the École nationale de police du Québec (ENPQ). The SPVM highlights that officers who graduate from this program will have access to more than 150 career opportunities within the police force.
This initiative aims to bridge the gap between law enforcement and Montreal’s multicultural communities by integrating individuals who possess a deep understanding of cultural nuances, social issues, and the unique challenges faced by minority communities.
The Impact on Parc-Extension
For neighborhoods like Parc-Extension, where many residents speak languages other than French and English, and where cultural perceptions of policing vary widely, a program like this could be a game-changer. The presence of officers who understand the lived experiences of racialized and immigrant communities fosters trust and encourages more positive interactions between law enforcement and the public.
Local activists and community leaders have long advocated for a police force that better reflects the city’s demographics. With Montreal’s population becoming increasingly diverse, ensuring that law enforcement mirrors this diversity is key to fostering a sense of safety and inclusion. The SPVM’s initiative is a step toward addressing longstanding concerns about racial profiling, discrimination, and systemic barriers in policing.
Addressing the Challenges of Diversity in Policing
While recruitment programs like these are essential, experts stress that structural reforms must accompany diversity efforts to ensure lasting change. Having more diverse officers is not enough if institutional policies and training do not evolve to address racial biases, cultural competence, and community-based policing strategies.
Additionally, ensuring that minority recruits feel fully integrated and supported within the SPVM is crucial. In the past, racialized officers in Montreal have spoken about facing discrimination within their own ranks. Effective mentorship, inclusive workplace policies, and ongoing diversity training will be necessary to sustain the progress made through this recruitment program.
Encouraging a New Generation of Officers
For young people in Parc-Extension who may have never considered a career in law enforcement, this program offers a new perspective. By valuing lived experience, cultural awareness, and social science expertise, the SPVM is making an effort to modernize policing and foster a service that is more responsive to the needs of its citizens.
With over 150 specialized functions available to those who complete the training, the program presents a wide array of career paths beyond traditional patrol duties, including community relations, crisis intervention, cybercrime, and investigative work.
As applications open, the success of the AEC Diversité policière et profil social program will depend on the willingness of Montreal’s diverse communities to engage with law enforcement in new ways. Programs like these, if implemented effectively, could pave the way for a police force that is truly representative of the city it serves.
For those interested in joining, now is the time to take the leap and become part of the future of policing in Montreal.