Commissaire à la déontologie policière – Quebec City, QC

Police Ethics Commissioner

The Commissaire à la déontologie policière (Police Ethics Commissioner) is an independent civilian body tasked with receiving and examining complaints regarding the conduct of police officers in Quebec. Located in the Tour du Saint-Laurent on Boulevard Laurier, this office serves as the entry point for the police ethics system. Its mission is to ensure that police officers, wildlife protection officers, special constables, and highway controllers adhere to the Code of ethics of Quebec police officers. The organization operates independently from the police forces it oversees, ensuring impartiality and public confidence in the justice system.

Complaint Process and Mandate

Citizens who believe a police officer has behaved in a derogatory manner (e.g., abuse of authority, lack of respect, negligence) can file a complaint here. The Commissioner’s office is responsible for:

• Receiving Complaints: Acting as the central registry for all ethics complaints against law enforcement personnel in the province.
• Preliminary Examination: Analyzing complaints to determine if they are admissible and if they warrant an investigation.
• Conciliation: Offering a mediation process between the complainant and the officer to resolve minor issues without a formal hearing.
• Investigation: Conducting thorough inquiries into serious allegations to gather evidence.

History and Legislation

The office was created on September 1, 1990, under the Police Act, as part of a major reform to bring civilian oversight to police conduct. Prior to this, complaints were often handled internally by police departments, which lacked public trust. The Commissioner works in tandem with the Comité de déontologie policière (the tribunal that hears the cases) to maintain high ethical standards in law enforcement.

Operational Information

The office provides services in both French and English. It is important to note that the office closes daily for lunch between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. While complaints can be filed online, the Quebec City office is available for in-person inquiries and document submission.