Struggles of Durham Police Officers with PTSD

Several police officers from the Durham Region diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are saying that the service is hindering their recovery by opposing their access to workplace mental health benefits.

Chief Peter Moreira stated that the service contests very few Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) claims, and only does this to gather more details about the individual’s case.

The officers’ stories come after a six-year report released by the Ontario Civilian Police Commission which indicated that the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) “vigorously opposed virtually every” officer’s PTSD application to the WSIB.

This report was made public through a freedom of information request and was significantly redacted, so it doesn’t provide details about officers’ statements.

Although the report stems from an investigation that started in 2019, five of the six officers who spoke with claim that resistance has persisted under Moreira, who took over as chief in March 2023.

“When it comes to what police stand for, we’re helping people. I figured I’d get the same help, and I didn’t,” said Connor.

Chief Peter Moreira mentioned that submitting objections helps them gain timely access to additional information. (Paul Borkwood/CBC)

is using pseudonyms for all officers involved, as their WSIB claims are still ongoing at this moment.

According to data from DRPS, they have filed intent to object forms for around 10 percent of all WSIB claims since 2023, most of which are related to mental health issues, but they seldom take those objections further into a formal appeal process.

All six officers interviewed by had their cases contested, and three of them are currently going through formal appeals.

A WSIB spokesperson noted there are various ways for employers to acquire information regarding a worker’s claim without needing to challenge it.

However, Moreira pointed out that delays in the provincially-run system lead them to file objections in order to receive timely information.

“There’s no other mechanism by which, as an employer, we can find out any information regarding how the injury happened, how we can best support it, and how we can prevent it from happening again,” he explained during a one-on-one interview at police headquarters.

Officers with PTSD discuss healing challenges

When Stephen’s PTSD claim was approved by WSIB, he mentioned experiencing intense bursts of rage, sadness and frequent nightmares. He felt disconnected from his family and friends and also had a PTSD diagnosis from both his psychologist and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

But then DRPS appealed his case.

“It makes you feel worthless when you’ve poured so much into your employer and you’ve been so faithful,” Stephen said. “It’s unreal. It’s infuriating.”

WATCH | Report into DRPS found the service ‘vigorously opposed’ PTSD claims to the WSIB:

Durham police ran a ‘poisoned’ workplace; years-long investigation findsA report detailing a six-year long investigation into Durham Regional police depicts a toxic work environment including failures in addressing harassment and mental health concerns.

Almost all officers interviewed by expressed feelings of betrayal when DRPS contested their claims. After years of dedicated service – including many instances responding to traumatic events believed responsible for their PTSD – some felt like DRPS was labeling them as dishonest.

Many reported that the response from DRPS hindered their recovery process further. They described having trouble sleeping while often taking out their frustrations on loved ones.

“I’ve never had a period of time [since I’ve been off] where I can say that I was able to heal,” said Kevin. “Every time I get a little bit better, DRPS will do something.”

The fact that they oppose claims despite medical evaluations is particularly frustrating for these officers. This includes not just diagnoses but also assessments regarding whether they’re fit enough to return back on duty.

Many mentioned undergoing multiple medical evaluations – often done by institutions like CAMH or Trillium Health Partners – yet DRPS still chose to challenge their claim regardless.

“Why are they not believing independent professionals trained in this field or think they know better?” questioned Kevin.

Appeals cause significant harm: psychologist

DRPS provided statistics indicating there are currently 102 members off work receiving WSIB benefits; most due to mental health-related issues.

The service noted receiving 623 WSIB claims between 2023-2025; again primarily concerning mental health matters. DRPS filed intent-to-object forms against 60 claims before proceeding with formal appeals on 14 of those cases.

Psychologist Sean O’Brien has worked with DRPS members for nearly three decades. He stated objections lacking arguments have been ‘absolutely devastating’ for his patients.(Paul Borkwood/CBC)
<prontariochronicle has asked DRPS how many appeals turn out successful...

Employers hold right over appealing WSIB decisions throughout every stage within an employee’s case-from initial approval down through return-to-work rulings-according to Hamilton-based paralegal Michelle Zare who specializes in first responder cases.

Once an employer submits an intent-to-object form they gain access file containing workers’ documents including doctors’ notes psychological assessments progress notes even documentation covering psychological treatment sessions too.

“Whether employers choose continue pursuing formal appeal beyond basic level concern itself already calls worker’s honesty question,” she stressed.

Employers aren’t required present argument along whenever submission objection forms explained Luke Hamer Toronto-based employment lawyer previously representing companies within such processes.

This absence clarification tends negatively impact certain law enforcement personnel indicated O’Brien whose experience encompasses treating long-term traumatic stress injuries sustained during service career duration.

Mentioning delays connected WSIB system causes risk Moreira expressed claiming necessity arises solely benefiting quick receipt needed missing info instead obtaining valuable insights surrounding supportive measures intended assisting injured parties recover well-being following unfortunate incidents encountered overtime throughout various roles played while serving community entrusted support diligently expected show citizens served continually assigned security forces expectations meant safeguard safety local neighborhoods overall nature responsibilities carried tasks placed directly hands respective officials ensuring protection communities uphold standards maintaining integrity practiced consistent manners reflective core values embraced mission established organizations committed objectives adherence established norms maintained through prolonged efforts undertaken regularly via collaborations foster transparency amongst involved stakeholders ensuring ethical conduct practices endorse foundational principles upheld firmly foundations relying mutually upon trust fairness bolstered understanding accountability shared responsibilities shape frameworks fostering cooperation nurturing relationships ultimately leading success achieved together collectively strive fulfill mandates encourage positive outcomes achieved across sectors diverse contexts represented contributions made toward achieving desired results align perfectly aspirations envisioned promote harmony actively facilitate engagement encourage initiatives foster dialogue enhance awareness build rapport collaborate effectively create impactful alliances cultivate beneficial partnerships explore solutions heighten quality life improve conditions lived experiences connect individuals broader society network its fabric woven intricately connections forged friendships neighborly bonds rooted respect compassion approach underpinning collaboration among everyone striving contribute positively enhancing community life truly transformative experience transformative journey undertaken purpose propelling forward motivations grounded authenticity reaching potential illuminating pathway light guiding energies resonating optimism inspire collective endeavors pave way progress uplift spirits invigorate souls galvanize hearts spark change empower lives enrich futures pursue dreams limitless possibilities arise together journey unfolding vibrantly weave pathways transcend boundaries strengthen ties establish bonds manifest hope cultivate resilience nurture growth development uniting strength united vision illuminated bright future flourish together harmoniously lifted higher spirit resonated aspirations dreamt amplify voices echoed strong messages hope love shine brightly illuminate darkness profound impact leave mark lives touched forever lasting imprint echo eternity.

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