Black Montrealers: Cops use immigration as intimidation
La Presse reports on two instances where SPVM police used immigration questions and threats on two Black Montrealers (I blogged a less complete story about Lamine Nkouendji a couple of days ago). Is it normal that when police stop you for clipping a yellow light they begin by asking you about your immigration status?
Alex 08:59 on 2020-07-10 Permalink
Is it normal that police even stop you for clipping a yellow in this province? Judging by the way that almost everyone drives I thought it was an accepted practice to blast through until the light is red
Kate 09:34 on 2020-07-10 Permalink
If you’re white it’s probably no big deal.
dwgs 10:27 on 2020-07-10 Permalink
They must have forgotten to beep their horn. That seems to be the accepted practice here, go through way too late but tap the horn once or twice. /s
Ephraim 12:42 on 2020-07-10 Permalink
Maybe it’s time for the government to require the police to read people their rights immediately. Nothing shuts up a policeman faster than “What are my rights? Am I being arrested? I want a lawyer. ” At that point, they have to make a decision.
Incidentally, we also need to make a rule regarding police arrests and stops near the end of their duty cycle. Making a stupid arrest near the end of their cycle is a great way for them to request overtime pay. If we require a superior officer to authorize the overtime and that pay is conditional on the actual prosecution, they will likely stop that practice. It’s a known loophole in policing for earning extra overtime pay.