A special constable with the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) is facing assault charges over an intervention at the Berri-UQAM Metro station a little over a year ago, marking a first in the public transit agency's history. This is the first time a special constable with the STM faces charges after using force in the performance of their duties. The STM's special constables have been subject to BEI investigations since becoming peace officers in 2021. In this case, the victim was not seriously injured but the BEI became involved by virtue of the victim being Cree, said BEI spokesperson Jérémie Comtois. The public transit agency employs 180 special constables who have been equipped with cayenne pepper gel since September 2023.

Source: CBC News February 27, 2026 00:55 UTC