Montreal hires former SQ chief in public security role

The City of Montreal hired former provincial police chief Martin Prud’homme as its assistant director-general for public security Wednesday.

At a press conference alongside Montreal’s mayor, Prud’homme said he was a “happy man.” He added he was ready to tackle this mandate with “great pleasure.”

“It’s great news because it’s part of a bigger plan of defining what is the Montreal model for urban security,” said Mayor Valerie Plante said. “It’s one piece, one extra tool, if you will, to make sure that the coordination is always better between all the different actors.”

Urban safety important

Urban safety, says mayor Plante, remains a top concern for Montreal.

She says Prud’homme was chosen for his track record as a manager, his understanding of the realities of Montreal and his experience in the field.

“His role will be very important,” Plante said. “What we need to reinforce is the communication between the City of Montreal and the SPVM. It’s an ongoing process, and we’re already doing a great job, but how do we make sure the communication and coordination is always better.

“That will be his job. To coordinate, not only with the SPVM and the City of Montreal, but all the efforts deployed by community groups and other actors when it comes to urban security.”

Public consultation first priority

Prud’homme’s mandate begins May 10.

In the coming weeks he will be working closely with the president of the executive committee, Dominique Ollivier, to define the terms of the public consultation on the next Montreal police chief.