Deputy director of Montreal police relieved of duties during whistleblower inquiry

The deputy director of the Montreal police service (SPVM), Bernard Lamothe, has been relieved of his functions for the durationof an investigation into allegations that the police forcefabricated evidenceto silence whistleblowers.

An emailfrom policeChief PhilippePichet, obtained by CBC's French-language network Radio-Canada, explained that the decision followed "information shared by the Sret du Qubec."

"Citizens'confidence is a priority for my organization and myself," Pichetwent on to say in the email.

He said that Lamothe was being relieved of his duties immediatelyand for an indefinite period, "until everything has come to light."

Pichet told CBC later on Fridaythat it was a difficult time at the SPVM.

"Since I've been here, I've made some structural changes.I'm working on the culture, but that takes time, it takes years," Pichet said.

"But at the same time, if people do something wrong, we will take action."

Administrative inquiry led by MichelBouchard

The SPVMhas come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks, amid allegations its internal affairs department fabricated evidence against whistleblowers.

Pichet asked theSretdu Quebec to investigate the allegations, a move supported by Quebec's Public Security Minister Martin Coiteux.

• Montreal police accused of fabricating evidence to silence whistleblowers

Since those initial allegations surfaced, several more worrying cases were brought to Coiteux'sattention by the SQ, the public security ministersaid last week.

At that time, Coiteux announced his decision to call for a parallel "administrative investigation" of the Montreal police based on those new allegations.

Today, Coiteux named the man who will lead that investigation: former deputy minister of Justice, Michel Bouchard.

"Mr.Bouchardpossesses vast experience and a flawless reputation, and I'm convinced that he would be able to take an impartial look at the situation and propose the best solutions possible,"Coiteauxsaid in a news release Friday.

A former Crown prosecutor, Bouchard has also worked as associate deputy minister of Justice at the federal level. He also ledthe administrative inquiryinto the helicopter prison breaks in Saint-Jrmein 2013 and Orsainvillein 2014, as well as the inquiry into the management of the Hells Angels mega-trialin 2015.

"He's qualified, credible and capable," Coiteuxsaid.

Report due in September

Bouchard will examine how theSPVM's internal investigations work, including management, coaching and procedures.

He will then need to make recommendations to improve practices relative to internal investigations.

• Quebec calls inquiry into 'systemic' problems in Montreal police service

Coiteux said it's importantpublic confidence be re-established quickly.

His report is to be handed over to Coiteux by Sept. 15 at the latest and is expected to be made public after that.

• Coiteux reaffirms confidence in SQ investigation of Montreal police