1. What is a street gang?

Answer : It is a more or less structured group made up mostly of teenagers and young adults who use group intimidation and violence to carry out criminal acts in order to gain power and status or control lucrative activities. (taxing, drug trafficking, prostitution, etc.).

2. Does talking about street gangs (mentioning their name and activities) incite the members to commit more crimes in order to garner more publicity?

Answer : Yes. That’s why the SPVM says little about their names and methods, etc. Street gang members are validated and glorified when their name and actions are mentioned in the media. Furthermore, publicizing their actions attracts other young people who want to adopt street gang values and participate in gang activities.

3. What is the street gang situation right now on the island of Montréal?

Answer : The SPVM believes that there are about twenty major street gangs on the island of Montréal. The number varies constantly because membership is always temporary (maximum two years) and gang members are volatile.

4. Is this situation of particular concern?

Answer : The SPVM takes the situation seriously, making use of all necessary measures: investigations, operations, prevention and awareness activities, partnership with institutional and community organizations, municipal and provincial/national cooperation, vigilance, etc. All actions are carried out continuously and year-round.

5. Is it dangerous to live in Montréal with all these street gangs around?

Answer : Montréal is a safe city: the proof is that there has been a 37% reduction in crime since 1990, thanks in part to some 4,000 police officers working to provide security for Montrealers. Despite this, events related to street gangs may occur. In addition to police presence and interventions, the public must remain watchful.

6. How can young people avoid the violence of street gangs and how can they avoid being recruited or intimidated?

Answer : By breaking the silence and speaking out. It is important for youth not to keep quiet about the problem if, for example, they are being bullied, beaten up or approached for recruitment. They have to look for support from their family, their friends, their teachers, the police or other resources that can help them lui venir en aide.

Youth can also find out about the street gang phenomenon and how they recruit new members through their activities. Of course, youth who are victims of violence should not tolerate the situation: they should tell their parents and school administrators. Young people should never do anything they feel they are being forced to do.

99% of all young people are not criminals so the SPVM dedicates extensive efforts to prevention among youth and support for their parents.

7. What should I do if I am a victim of or witness to street gang actions?

Answer : Dial 9-1-1 or call Info-Crime at 514 393-1133 (all calls completely confidential). You can also contact your poste de quartier (neighbourhood police station).

8. What should we do if our child has been victimized by a street gang?

Answer : Ask for help right away. Contact your poste de quartier (neighbourhood police station), the CLSC or CAVAC, the assistance centre for victims of crime.