City of Montreal Holds Commission on Public Security and Discusses EMMIS Project

The Commission de la Sécurité Publique held a Council meeting where they discussed the expansion of the project, Équipe Mobile de Médiation en Intervention Sociale (EMMIS). 

The EMMIS project was developed, in a collective effort, following several observations on the ground. The City of Montreal is aware of an increase in and complexity of the needs of vulnerable people, and consequently the need for frontline and essential workers in public spaces. 

The necessity for frontline and essential workers in public spaces comes after many citizens asked for the reevaluation of the role of the police service. This decision was additionally influenced by the collaborative nature of the project, where the city of Montreal was able to closely follow and see the City of Paris' own model. The city of Montreal was inspired by Paris model that offered civilian services as well as support services in public spaces.

With such a model, and more specifically EMMIS, the City of Montreal says it will be able to better adapt to crisis and distress situations. With EMMIS, the city will be capable of better supporting vulnerable individuals who find themselves in public spaces and to accompany individuals in distress to the proper services. 

The EMMIS team directly responds to calls from community and institutional organizations. Considering the reevaluation of the role of the police, the EMMIS team consists of nonurgent police interventions and of pedestrian patrols to encourage visibility in public spaces. It will allow for the City of Montreal to improve the safety in public spaces for Montrealers.

An investment of $25M is underway for the next five years. During those five next years, the City of Montreal is aiming for EMMIS to become a 24/7 service.