Quebec orders two independent probes into Montreal officer over alleged urination on homeless people Quebec's domestic security minister has ordered investigations by the police ethics commissioner and the BEI into a Montreal police officer accused of humiliating homeless people while in uniform. A second Station 21 officer was also suspended over alleged acts targeting racialized people. Quebec's domestic security minister has ordered two separate investigations into a Montreal police officer who allegedly urinated on homeless people while in uniform. Guy Jr. Lapointe said both the police ethics commissioner and the province's independent police watchdog, known as the BEI, will examine the matter. According to a news release, the investigations will be conducted independently and will shed light on this situation. The announcement came Monday morning. Lapointe said it is clear an additional investigation should be conducted by an external body. He added his decision is not a vote of no confidence in the Montreal police service, known as the SPVM.Montreal Police Officer Allegedly Urinated On HomelessThe officer in question works at Station 21, which serves parts of downtown Montreal. Sources say he allegedly filmed himself over the course of more than a year while on duty. The footage allegedly shows him humiliating people experiencing homelessness, including urinating on them while they slept in the street. A second SPVM officer from Station 21 was also suspended for alleged acts of humiliation directed at racialized people, according to Radio-Canada.Two Montreal police officers have been suspended for alleged humiliating acts targeting homeless and racialized people, and one of them is now the subject of investigations ordered by the Quebec government. Lapointe, a former police officer, was sworn in as minister of domestic security last week. He ordered the two investigations shortly after taking office. Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada expressed her support on Sunday for Lapointe's decision to order the independent investigations.In a statement posted to the social media platform X, Martinez Ferrada wrote in French that citizens have a right to answers. She said it is essential to shine full light on the facts and that accountability is at the heart of this process. Hundreds of Montrealers gathered in front of SPVM Station 21 on Saturday afternoon to express outrage over the alleged acts by the suspended police officers.The afternoon gathering came amid reports earlier this month that two police officers who worked at the Berri Street station were suspended with pay in August for alleged acts of humiliation directed at unhoused and racialized people. The case has drawn widespread attention in Montreal and prompted calls for transparency and outside oversight of the police force. The SPVM has not commented publicly on the specifics of the allegations.Independent Probes Ordered For Police MisconductThe independent investigations are expected to examine the conduct of the officer and the circumstances surrounding the alleged acts. The police ethics commissioner handles complaints about police conduct, while the BEI investigates cases involving police that result in serious injury or death, or other matters referred to it. Lapointe said the two bodies will conduct their work independently. He said the goal is to shed light on the situation and ensure accountability.The investigations follow mounting public pressure after the suspensions became public. Community groups and residents have called for a thorough review of how police treat vulnerable people in the city. Montreal's homeless population has faced increasing challenges in recent years, and advocates have raised concerns about mistreatment by authorities. The mayor's statement stressed that citizens deserve answers.She said full light must be shone on the facts and that accountability must be central to the process. The suspended officers have not been publicly identified. No criminal charges have been announced in connection with the allegations. The Quebec government's decision to order independent probes marks a significant step in the case.It comes as the new domestic security minister settles into his role. Lapointe, a former police officer himself, said his decision should not be seen as a lack of confidence in the SPVM. He said the independent reviews are meant to complement the force's own internal processes. The BEI, or Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes, typically investigates incidents involving police that result in serious harm.The police ethics commissioner examines ethical breaches by officers. The allegations against the Station 21 officer include filming himself while on duty over more than a year. The acts allegedly targeted people sleeping in the street. The second officer from the same station was suspended over alleged humiliation of racialized people.Hundreds Protest Outside Montreal Police StationRadio-Canada reported that detail. The protests outside Station 21 on Saturday drew hundreds of people. Demonstrators expressed outrage over the alleged behaviour and demanded action. The gathering followed earlier reports that the officers were suspended with pay in August.Those reports concerned the Berri Street station. The case has sparked debate about police accountability and the treatment of marginalized communities in Montreal. Officials have promised a thorough review. The investigations ordered by Lapointe will be conducted independently, according to the news release.The results are expected to shed light on the facts. Martinez Ferrada said accountability is at the heart of the process. She said citizens have a right to answers and that full light must be shone on the facts. The SPVM has not yet responded to requests for comment on the investigations.The union representing Montreal police officers has also not commented publicly. Homeless advocates in Montreal have long called for better treatment of people living on the streets. The allegations have renewed those concerns. The two officers remain suspended.The investigations by the ethics commissioner and the BEI are ongoing. Lapointe was sworn in last week as minister of domestic security. He previously served as a police officer. Quebec's public security ministry said the investigations will be conducted independently.The ministry said the goal is to shed light on the situation. The case has drawn attention from across the province. Officials say they are taking the allegations seriously. The mayor's statement on X was posted Sunday.It expressed support for the independent investigations. Hundreds of people gathered at Station 21 on Saturday afternoon. They called for accountability and an end to abusive police behaviour. The allegations first surfaced earlier this month.Suspended Officers Face Allegations Of HumiliationReports said two officers at the Berri Street station were suspended with pay in August. The Station 21 officer is accused of filming himself urinating on homeless people while they slept. The alleged acts occurred over more than a year. The second officer is accused of humiliating racialized people.That officer was also suspended. The independent investigations will examine the conduct of the officer and the circumstances of the alleged acts. No timeline has been given for their completion. Lapointe said the investigations will be independent and will shed light on the situation.He said his decision is not a vote of no confidence in the SPVM. Martinez Ferrada said citizens have a right to answers. She said it is essential to shine full light on the facts and that accountability is at the heart of the process.