Roger-Luc Chayer (Photo: SPVM)
This topic comes up often: the state of Montreal’s Gay Village is on everyone’s lips, and many lament the inaction of elected officials and the police. However, when someone witnesses an act of incivility, vandalism, or a misdemeanor in the Village, they often hesitate to contact the police. Yet this reluctance is also one of the causes of the Village’s problems.
Police officers keep records of all calls and the various types of offenses. These records allow them to generate statistical reports, which they can provide upon request or at regular intervals to elected officials and other decision-making authorities.
When Mayor Valérie Plante says in the media that she doesn’t see on the ground what merchants and residents are reporting, it’s because she relies on statistics and reports from the police, paramedics, and firefighters to “see” what is happening. However, such statements frustrate many people. But how many of these individuals actually report the incidents they witness? Only a fraction.
The issue also lies with services like 9-1-1 or with the police officers encountered on-site when filing a complaint. Complainants are often told that if the vandal or the perpetrator of the offense or aggression is no longer present, the police can’t do anything. This also hinders the proper collection of statistical data.
The Solution: The Online Police Report
You may not know this, but it is entirely possible to report an incident without going through 9-1-1 or filing a complaint in person with the police. The SPVM offers an online police report service, available at the following address: https://spvm.qc.ca/fr/Fiches/Details/Rapport-de-police-en-ligne.
The criteria are specific and align with the types of incidents that typically occur in the Village. Here are the conditions:
- You did not see or do not know the suspect(s).
- There were no witnesses or cameras on the scene.
- There was no break-in involved.
- No evidence was left at the scene (e.g., tools, fingerprints, blood).
- Your credit or debit cards were not used for unauthorized purchases.
- You did not suffer any injuries during the incident.
- The incident occurred within Montreal’s territory.
You cannot submit a report online if the following elements are involved: weapons (e.g., firearm, rifle), firearms licenses, explosives licenses, passports, or permanent resident cards.
The SPVM adds on its website: “After submitting your report, a temporary number will automatically be sent to the email address you provided. Make sure to check your spam folder. Reports will be processed in the language they are submitted. Our forms are available in English and French. Be sure to choose the correct form, as we do not provide translation. Please note that online reports are NOT subject to any investigation.”
Well, there you go! You can report anything you observe in the Village. The report is assigned a number, meaning it will be officially recorded. Even though there won’t be an investigation, this will enable the City of Montreal to receive more precise and effective statistics on crimes and incivilities in the Village.
Time to get typing!