The Montreal Police Service (SPVM) has launched a recruitment initiative aimed at increasing diversity within its ranks, a move that could have particular significance for neighborhoods like Parc-Extension, where multicultural representation in law enforcement has long been a subject of discussion.
The provincial program, AEC Diversité policière et profil social, is designed to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds and those with expertise in social sciences. The initiative targets two main groups: individuals from underrepresented communities who hold a college diploma (DEC) or a bachelor’s degree, and graduates in social sciences whose knowledge could contribute to more community-focused policing.
Successful applicants will undergo a 30-week training program in policing techniques, followed by 15 weeks of patrol and law enforcement training at the École nationale de police du Québec (ENPQ). Upon completion, they will be eligible to join the SPVM, which offers more than 150 different career paths within law enforcement.
The effort reflects a broader trend within police forces across Canada to improve relations with ethnically diverse communities by hiring officers who can better understand cultural nuances, language barriers, and social challenges. In neighborhoods such as Parc-Extension, where many residents are immigrants or first-generation Canadians, interactions with police have often been marked by concerns over racial profiling and a lack of representation.
Community advocates have previously called for more officers with backgrounds that reflect the populations they serve, arguing that a more diverse force can improve trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the public. The SPVM has acknowledged these concerns in the past and has introduced various measures aimed at strengthening ties with different communities.
With applications now open, the program presents an opportunity for those interested in law enforcement to step into a career that could help shape the future of policing in Montreal. Whether the initiative will lead to meaningful change in community relations remains to be seen, but the SPVM’s latest recruitment drive signals an acknowledgment of the importance of diversity in policing.
