Veteran Montreal police officer says racism a 'cancer eating away' at the SPVM in resignation letter

A veteran Montreal police officer says racism is a 'cancer eating away at the organization' in a stinging resignation letter.

A veteran Montreal police officer says racism is a "cancer eating away at the organization" in a stinging resignation letter. 

Patrice Vilcéus, a Quebecer of Haitian origin, served on the Montreal police service (SPVM) for more than 30 years and worked his way up to commander of the anti-gang squad. 

"Throughout my career, I've made sure that I'm not just an observer of racism, racial profiling and social challenges. My aim has been to break down taboos and introduce more nuanced approaches, so as to take all aspects into account and help the organization grow," he wrote in a four-page letter obtained by CTV News. 

"The scientific research commissioned by the SPVM is a flagrant example of the cancer eating away at the organization, and the judgment of the Superior Court presided over by the Honourable Justice Dominique Poulin is the apotheosis."

His letter made reference to the recent Quebec Superior Court ruling declaring that there's a systemic form of racial profiling within the SPVM. The landmark decision also awarded $5,000 in punitive damages to anyone stopped on the streets based on their ethnic origin.

Vilcéus added: "The SPVM must distance itself from one-track thinking and give greater importance to divergent thinking, which generates creativity and multiple options. In other words, it is crucial to overcome the resistance of certain managers who defend the status quo."

In his resignation letter, he said organizations are stronger if they embrace differences and welcome diversity.