Durham Police Officers with PTSD Report Isolation and Mismanagement

Several officers from the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have raised serious concerns about their treatment by the service. They report feelings of isolation since going on mental health leave and allege a lack of meaningful support from the organization. These officers describe a workplace culture where confidential medical information is mishandled and suggest that senior management implies some officers fabricate their mental health injuries.

Chief Peter Moreira contends that the service prioritizes mental health support. He acknowledges the staffing pressures resulting from the number of officers on leave but insists that he strives to avoid stigmatizing those affected. Nevertheless, all six officers who spoke with CBC News indicated that the service has not reached out to them in any supportive capacity. One officer, identified by the pseudonym Joseph, expressed frustration, stating, “Why are we left on an island to rot and feel like all this work we’ve done over the years was pointless?”

Allegations of Privacy Breaches

A significant concern raised by the officers involves the management of their private medical information. Four individuals reported to CBC News that confidential details about their medical conditions were shared within the workplace with individuals who should not have had access. Chief Moreira stated that medical files are only accessible to wellness specialists within the service and emphasized a commitment to investigate any potential breaches of privacy.

In one notable instance, CBC News reviewed an internal document revealing that an officer’s PTSD diagnosis was disclosed to at least two other members shortly after he submitted a claim to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). Chief Moreira expressed his disappointment at the allegations and underscored the importance of maintaining confidentiality in such cases.

Officers also expressed concerns that the culture within the DRPS discourages them from taking necessary mental health leave. Some believe that the internal stigma surrounding mental health issues has intensified since Moreira assumed his role as chief in March 2023. They reported that during team meetings, senior staff implied that taking leave contributed to staffing shortages, creating an atmosphere of pressure rather than support.

Impact on Morale and Officer Well-being

The officers conveyed a sense of disillusionment, claiming that those returning from mental health leave are often viewed as liabilities. They feel that their contributions are undervalued, with one officer stating, “You’re not part of the police quote — unquote family of blue anymore.” Another officer, Chris, shared that he witnessed colleagues being ridiculed for their mental health struggles.

The consequences of this culture extend beyond morale. Some officers reported continuing to work while grappling with their mental health challenges due to fear of management’s reaction. Chris recounted a particularly difficult period when he broke down at work, unsure whether to take leave as advised by his psychologist.

Chief Moreira expressed concern that officers may hesitate to seek help when needed. He maintains that the service offers comprehensive wellness programs and encourages open discussions about mental health. He highlighted that officers have unlimited access to psychological services and that peer support is provided to all recruits.

Despite these assurances, the officers reported feeling isolated once they went on leave. They indicated that, with few exceptions, there has been no supportive outreach from their supervisors. Joseph recalled receiving a medal commemorating his years of service in the mail, stating, “That was heartbreaking for me to know that’s the value I have for my police service.”

Mark Baxter, president of the Police Association of Ontario, noted that some officers may react negatively to contact from the service during their recovery. He advocates for initial outreach to better assess each officer’s comfort level. However, the officers interviewed by CBC News described a lack of proactive communication from DRPS, with Kevin stating, “There’s no contact, unless it’s negative.”

Chief Moreira acknowledged the challenges and stated that the service has a dedicated “reintegration officer” who is responsible for maintaining communication with officers on leave. He affirmed that the service aims to improve its outreach efforts.

As the discussion about mental health within law enforcement continues, the experiences shared by these officers highlight the pressing need for a supportive environment. Their testimonies reflect a critical juncture for the Durham Regional Police Service, emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture that prioritizes both officer well-being and effective communication.