STM provides clarification on intervention at Jean-Talon station

The STM would like to make several clarifications in light of the recently uploaded video showing an intervention by security and enforcement inspectors that occurred on Saturday, April 17 at Jean-Talon station. As is often the case with these types of videos, the footage does not depict the event in its entirety and excludes the events that led to the intervention.

Timeline

• STM inspectors witnessed an individual crossing the turnstiles without showing a valid fare at Jean-Talon station.
• The inspectors approached and questioned them.
• The individual refused to cooperate or identify themself.
• A discussion ensued that lasted several minutes, during which time our employees attempted to diffuse the situation.
• The individual fled toward the métro platforms, remaining uncooperative.
• Our inspectors pursued the individual and intervened physically to restrain them.
• The individual actively resisted and refused to comply.
• During the intervention, the individual bit the inspectors several times, causing injuries that required emergency care.
• The SPVM is pressing charges of assault causing bodily harm against the individual.

Use of force

As is always the case in this type of intervention, an internal investigation was launched to analyze all aspects of this incident, particularly the use of force. During interventions such as these, our inspectors apply the model currently used by the majority of police forces in Canada, which stipulates that the force applied must be proportional to the degree of resistance and aggression of the individual. In this case, the individual behaved aggressively, resisted actively and bit our employees hard enough to draw blood, notably refusing to release their bite.

We wish to remind the public that our inspectors are trained to interact with a variety of customers and that we promote an approach that centers de-escalation while ensuring compliance with STM by-laws and the safety of all.