According to Jean-François Morin, Deputy-Chief of Operations with the NPS, complaints can be filed over a wide range of concerns.
“If people feel that police officers didn’t treat them properly or didn’t speak to them properly, they can file a complaint under police deontology,” he explains. This system, also known as police ethics, covers just about everything related to how officers interact with the public. That includes things like disrespectful language, unfair treatment, misuse of authority, or aggressive behaviour.
For anyone in Nunavik who wants to file a complaint, there are several ways to do so.
The most direct option is through the Police Ethics Commissioner’s website at https://deontologie policiere.gouv.qc.ca/en, where an online complaint form is available. People can also call the office and explain the situation over the phone where staff are available to help write and submit the complaint on your behalf. Another option is to visit your local police station, where printed complaint forms are available, including copies in Inuktitut. If you’re unable to access the forms in person, you can also call and request a copy to be mailed to you.
Once a complaint is submitted, the process moves quickly. Morin says that as soon as the Commissioner’s office receives a complaint, the NPS is notified. The police service then has a responsibility to provide all relevant information, such as video footage, officer’s notes, detention logs, and other supporting documents.
“We gather everything within a day and send it to the police ethics office,” Morin says. From there, the Commissioner’s office leads the investigation independently and remains in regular communication with the complainant throughout the process.
In cases where a complaint suggests that a criminal act may have taken place, for example, excessive use of force during an arrest, the matter may be escalated to the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI), Quebec’s independent agency for investigating police-related incidents. Complaints first filed with the police ethics office are reviewed, and if they cross into potential criminal territory, they are referred to the BEI for further investigation.
While the timeline for each case may vary, Morin emphasizes that the initial steps happen quickly, and that complainants are not left in the dark. “My understanding is that they [the ethics office] are in communication very frequently with the complain-ant to give them feedback,” he says. “The process is very efficient.”
Filing a complaint is not just a bureaucratic exercise, it’s a way for communities to hold public servants accountable and to ensure that everyone, regardless of who they are, is treated with respect and dignity. If you or someone you know feels they were mistreated by a police officer in Nunavik, know that there is a sys-tem in place to listen, investigate, and respond. And your voice matters.
Filing a Complaint: Quick Facts
What you can complain about:
• Disrespectful or inappropriate language
• Unfair or biased treatment
• Abuse of power or excessive force
• Misuse of police vehicles or equipment
• Any unethical conduct by a police officer
Main complaint process:
• File online at deontologie-policiere.gouv.qc.ca/en
• Call the Police Ethics Commissioner’s Office (they can help write the complaint)
• Get a form at your local police station (available in Inuktitut)
• Request a form to be mailed to you
Support for Indigenous complainants:
Available in Inuktitut: deontologie-policiere.gouv.
qc.ca/en/file-a-complaint/services-to-indigenous-complainants
What happens next:
• NPS is notified immediately
• Evidence (reports, video, officer notes) is col-lected, usually within a day
• The Police Ethics office leads the investigation and contacts the complainant regularly
Other oversight:
• Internal discipline at NPS handles issues like tar-diness or misuse of resources
• Criminal matters may be referred to the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI)
Message from NPS:
If you feel you were not treated properly, speak up, your complaint will be taken seriously.
