Skip to main content

A CTV screengrab shows a confrontation between a Montreal police officer and a homeless man.

A Montreal police officer captured on video telling a homeless man he would tie him to a pole in frigid temperatures if his behaviour didn't improve will be disciplined this week.

A senior police spokesman is confirming the unnamed officer met with his commanding officer last Friday.

Commander Ian Lafrenière says the matter will be dealt with internally this week.

A video shot by a passerby and posted to YouTube shows part of the interaction between the officer and the homeless man.

The officer can be heard saying that if another citizen complains to police about the man he would "tie him to a pole for an hour."

The homeless man was wearing only a short-sleeved T-shirt and jean shorts that reached his calves.

Lafrenière describes the officer in question as a "good cop" who made an unacceptable comment.

"The Montreal police were not happy with the words that were used," Lafrenière said Monday. "It was not acceptable. This is a good police officer and we know he tried to do everything to help out the homeless person."

Lafrenière said last week the sanctions could range from a verbal warning to a suspension.

Interact with The Globe