STM should arm special constables: CNESST
A CNESST report suggests that the STM should consider arming the special constables that patrol the metro, but the STM is resisting this so far. The constables wear bulletproof vests, and carry handcuffs, batons and pepper spray – but no guns.
The STM says its constables had to use force in 487 out of 58,349 incidents last year. That doesn’t sound like overwhelming odds.
Joey 13:11 on 2025-08-29 Permalink
“Had to”…
bob 13:30 on 2025-08-29 Permalink
STM – Selon les données de la STM, les constables spéciaux ont eu recours à la force dans 487 des 58 349 interventions réalisées en 2024.
CNESST – “On m’informe qu’il y a environ 1000 interventions avec usage de la force par année, en moyenne.”
So, who is lying here?
Chris 14:48 on 2025-08-29 Permalink
Joey, you don’t think force in about 1% of cases is reasonable sounding? If there are people physically fighting, the STM constables should break it up with stern words instead perhaps?
Ian 14:56 on 2025-08-29 Permalink
Very good point, Chris. After all, there are no repeated, clear examples of the Montreal police abusing their power and committing acts of violence, often targetting the homeless, people of colour, and people in mental distress. Oh wait.
jeather 15:10 on 2025-08-29 Permalink
I’d love to hear how they define “force” first.
Chris 15:13 on 2025-08-29 Permalink
Very good point, Ian. After all, there are no examples of violent nutcases freaking out in the metro and needing 3rd party intervention. Never. Oh wait.
Nicholas 16:29 on 2025-08-29 Permalink
CNESST seems to think that adding guns to the situation will protect the inspectors. But it may also result in people they’re inspecting shooting first, now that they know inspectors are armed. You can reasonably argue that inspectors in the US need guns because guns are everywhere and you never know who is carrying. Inspectors in most other countries are not armed, and it should stay like that here. In many places they don’t even have clubs; they’re just like regular bureaucrats, and their jobs are to check for tickets. We don’t give out guns to restaurant inspectors or parking agents or building inspectors; checking tickets is not inherently dangerous. If there’s a problem where someone with a gun is needed, call the SPVM, which has a special metro division.
Ian 17:34 on 2025-08-29 Permalink
Chris, so what percentage of that 1% do you think are “violent nutcases”? I mean, if we’re going to support militarizing metro security there’s obviously a need…. lol
MarcG 10:06 on 2025-08-30 Permalink
It’s hard to imagine more guns leading to less violence.