Several police officers in Durham diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have expressed feeling neglected and unsupported by the service since taking mental health leave. They have raised concerns about a workplace environment where confidential medical information is mishandled and where returning officers are stigmatized as “broken toys,” leading to detrimental impacts on their careers.
While Chief Peter Moreira asserts that mental health support is a priority for the service and that efforts are made to address staffing challenges without stigmatizing officers on leave, all six officers interviewed by CBC News claim that the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) has not reached out to offer meaningful support to them during their difficult times.
The officers, whose identities are being protected by the use of pseudonyms due to fears of reprisal, alleged that confidential medical information is inappropriately shared within the service. They cited instances where their PTSD diagnoses were disclosed to individuals without a legitimate need to know, raising serious privacy concerns.
Despite Moreira denying the use of derogatory terms like “broken toys” and expressing a desire to understand the officers’ experiences better, the officers maintain that they feel isolated and unsupported by the service. They described a culture within the DRPS that places a higher priority on staffing needs over the well-being of its members, creating an environment of internal stigma and mistrust.
Moreover, the returning officers shared instances of feeling marginalized and disrespected, with some opting to continue working despite their mental health struggles out of fear of how they would be perceived by management. They highlighted the lack of supportive communication from supervisors or the service as a whole, emphasizing the need for a more compassionate and sensitive approach towards members on leave.
While Moreira emphasized the existence of mental health support services within the DRPS and efforts to promote open discussions about mental health, the officers conveyed a sense of abandonment and disillusionment with the lack of positive contact from the service. They expressed mixed feelings about whether they still desired outreach from the service, with some feeling a deep sense of disillusionment and disconnection from an organization they once considered their “police family.”
In response to these allegations, the DRPS has stated that they are working to improve communication with officers on leave, including appointing a dedicated reintegration officer to facilitate contact with those on mental health leave. However, the officers remain skeptical about the service’s commitment to their well-being, with some feeling that the lack of meaningful outreach reflects a broader disregard for their personal struggles and needs.