The ten point action plan aims to prevent racial and social profiling in Montreal over the next three years.
The strategy proposes better training police officers, ensuring inclusion and equal treatment by police, ensuring transparency, increase community outreach, hire more minorities, and restoring the public's trust and respect in the police force.
"It's a plan that will have to evolve, adjustments may be necessary. This is why we're open, the dialogue is there and this how we improve it," said SPVM communications director, André Durocher.
He added, "We don't pretend the plan is perfect, and this is why there will be follow-ups."
The police service has been directed by the city to track allegations of social and racial profiling.
Police will also compile the number of cases filed with the police ethics committee, the human rights commission, and youth protection services.
"The reason we put so much emphasis on the education, is the plan is there - yes to support the officer by giving training and everything - but I think there also has to be education among the population," said Durocher.
.@SPVM's goals for their "strategic plan to support SPVM staff in the prevention of racial and social profiling 2018-2021," are to ensure transparency, inclusion, and equality. As well as increasing trust and respect in the police service. @CJAD800 pic.twitter.com/DHf3rjw00w
— Saif Kaisar (@StaySaif) December 11, 2018
Following the presentation of the plan, many citizens expressed their concerns and asked questions.
"Does the SPVM understand the degrees of which it is criminal behavior and against the Canadian constitution to search someone or detain someone without following the proper steps?" asked Balarama Holness, a law student at McGill.
"You're absolutely right, but I think the measures we're putting into place and the measures we're continuing to put into place is a very good step," a member of Montreal Police brass responded.
"Our commanders in all the different levels of our upper management are going to be able to use (the measures) and actually ensure that our police officers are working and working within the laws that they're supposed to, and respect that."
Meanwhile, the Black Coalition of Quebec announced it is launching a $4-million class action law suit against Montreal police for alleged racial profiling.
The Coalition's lawyer says 500 claimants are named in the suit, each seeking $8,000 in damages.