Multiple police officers in Durham Region diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have expressed concerns about the service impeding their recovery by contesting their access to mental health benefits in the workplace. Chief Peter Moreira clarified that the service only challenges a small number of claims filed with the Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) to obtain additional information regarding the cases. This comes after a recent report by the Ontario Civilian Police Commission, obtained through a freedom of information request, highlighted the Durham Regional Police Service’s opposition to officers’ PTSD claims.
Despite the ongoing WSIB claims of the officers, the report does not divulge specifics of their testimonies due to heavy redaction. The officers’ grievances persist even after Moreira assumed the role of chief in March 2023. Some officers have expressed disappointment in the lack of support from the service, which contradicts the assistance they offer to the community.
The service has taken objection to approximately 10% of all WSIB claims, predominantly related to mental health since 2023, as per DRPS data. Notably, all six officers interviewed by CBC News had their claims contested, with three currently undergoing a formal appeal process. While employers have alternative ways to gather information about a claim without contesting it, Moreira defended the service’s objections as necessary due to delays in the WSIB system.
Individuals with PTSD have described significant challenges in their healing process, citing setbacks caused by the service’s objection to their claims. Despite receiving medical assessments and diagnoses from reputable institutions, officers have faced resistance from the service. Psychologist Sean O’Brien, who has treated DRPS members for nearly three decades, expressed concern over objections without supporting arguments affecting his patients’ mental well-being.
Moreira justified the service’s objections as essential to obtain timely information not readily available from the WSIB. He explained that the WSIB system has struggled to effectively address PTSD claims since legislative changes in 2016, leading to gaps in capacity. While the WSIB allows employers to request updates on an injured worker’s status, officers like Stephen have criticized the lack of support from DRPS in their recovery journeys.
Despite efforts to obtain feedback from DRPS officials, including board chair Shaun Collier and Police Association president Andrew Tummonds, both declined interviews. The association expressed concerns about the impact of ongoing challenges to mental health claims on members’ recovery and ability to return to work promptly.