Montreal launches private security patrols in high-crime areas

Montreal's central Ville-Marie borough is set to deploy private security guards in select neighborhoods as part of a pilot project designed to address the increase in drug-related and other criminal activities.

These security personnel will patrol three high-crime areas to monitor issues such as drug dealing, substance abuse, incivility, and harassment. Instead of intervening directly, their role will be to relay their observations to police and the city's social intervention teams.

This initiative comes in response to ongoing safety concerns expressed by merchants, residents, and visitors in areas like the Village and Chinatown.

The pilot project, which has a budget of $120,000, will utilize private security agents from Sirco in these neighborhoods as well as in Old Montreal. The agents will operate in both uniforms and plainclothes.

"There's a lot of pressure on the Ville-Marie borough — a significant presence of criminal activities — and it's important for us to add another tool," stated Robert Beaudry, a Ville-Marie city councillor. He noted that the level of criminal activity has increased since the pandemic and emphasized the need for the city to take action. While police have made efforts and achieved some improvements, he acknowledged that additional resources are necessary.

Complaints about crime in these neighborhoods have been prominent in recent years. Last year, a group of business owners and long-time residents of Chinatown urged the city and police to create a crime prevention plan in collaboration with the community following a rise in violence and vandalism in the area.

Additionally, last year, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante announced a revitalization plan for the Village that included adding 40 police officers and extending the hours of mobile social workers to provide support to the vulnerable population in the neighborhood around the clock.

This announcement followed several business owners along Ste-Catherine Street deciding to close their terraces due to safety worries.

Residents already observing and reporting crimes

Since the pandemic, residents and workers in the Village have noted an increase in individuals congregating on the streets, often dealing with addictions and mental health issues.

Phil Chu, president of the Chinatown Residents' Association, remarked that observing and reporting crime is already a common practice among residents. "There's not a single day I don't witness a drug transaction or someone smoking crack," he stated. "It's normal now, sadly." While he appreciates any additional help, he feels that the initiative seems somewhat redundant.

The security guards will also monitor for homeless encampments, with the goal of connecting those without homes to available city resources.

James Hughes, president of the Old Brewery Mission, supports the project for its potential to enhance safety but stresses that it should not target the homeless population. "Even if there are bylaw offences, like loitering or living in public spaces, these shouldn't be treated as criminal activities," he said.

The project is set to run until mid-December, after which the borough will assess its effectiveness.

Montreal suburbs already employing security agents

Several suburbs of Montreal already have their own security agents and also utilize patrols from the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM).

For instance, Westmount's public security department enforces municipal bylaws, supports the Montreal fire department, and conducts 24-hour patrols throughout the municipality. All officers in Westmount are trained in advanced first aid, CPR, and the use of defibrillators. They are also equipped with expandable police batons and trained in pressure-point tactics, as stated on Westmount's website.

Hampstead, the Town of Mount Royal, and Côte Saint-Luc have similar security departments. Côte Saint-Luc also operates a program called Volunteer Citizens on Patrol (vCOP), established in 2006, where volunteers patrol the city to observe and report any suspicious activities or issues.