Citizens want independent corruption probe: poll

More than 80 per cent of Montrealers think an independent inquiry is the only way to shed light on allegations of corruption within the city ’s police department, a Léger Marketing poll suggests.

And the survey, conducted for the TVA network and the Journal de Montréal, also suggest that 53 per cent of respondents don’t have confidence in the Sûreté du Québec’s to investigate the allegations.

The online survey of 542 Montrealers was conducted Thursday, 24 hours after bombshell revelations from two former Montreal police inspectors who claimed false evidence was used to oust them from the force in an effort to short circuit their attempt to go public over allegations of corruption within the department.

The report sent shock waves through Montreal’s policing and political establishment and saw city police Chief Philippe Pichet call upon the SQ to “review” certain aspects of his department’s internal affairs investigations.

Quebec public security minister Martin Coiteux has dismissed calls that the matter be probed by the province’s newly formed office of independent investigations.

The poll also suggest the police department continues to enjoy the trust of most respondents (76 per cent).

However, Pichet scored poorly, with only 24 per cent saying he should continue in his role.

Some 58 per cent of respondents worry over the possibility of municipal political interference in police business.