Durham Police Face Allegations of Hindering PTSD Claims

Multiple officers from the **Durham Regional Police Service** (DRPS) diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have alleged that the police service is obstructing their recovery by contesting their access to workplace mental health benefits. These claims come as part of a broader investigation highlighting the service’s treatment of officers with mental health issues.

A report released by the **Ontario Civilian Police Commission** found that the DRPS has “vigorously opposed virtually every” PTSD application submitted by officers to the **Workplace Safety Insurance Board** (WSIB). Although Chief **Peter Moreira** stated that the service rarely challenges WSIB claims, the accounts from officers suggest a different reality. They claim that such objections hinder their recovery process, causing emotional distress and prolonged suffering.

The report, which emerged through a freedom of information request, has been heavily redacted, preventing a full understanding of the testimonies from the officers involved. Despite the findings, five of the six officers who spoke with **CBC News** indicated that challenges to their claims have persisted under Moreira’s leadership, which began in **March 2023**.

“After dedicating so much to serving the community, it feels like they are calling us liars,” expressed one officer, who preferred to remain anonymous. This sentiment reflects a broader feeling of betrayal among officers who have experienced trauma in the line of duty.

According to data from the DRPS, the service has submitted intent-to-object forms for approximately **10 percent** of all WSIB claims since 2023, with most being related to mental health issues. The police service rarely escalates these objections to formal appeals, yet all six officers interviewed reported having their claims contested, with three currently in the appeal process.

The WSIB allows employers to obtain information about a worker’s claim without contesting it. However, Moreira argued that the system often suffers from delays, compelling the service to file objections to access timely information that could assist in supporting the affected officers.

“There’s no other mechanism by which, as an employer, we can find out any information regarding how the injury happened,” he stated in an interview at police headquarters.

The officers’ experiences highlight the emotional toll that these objections can take. One officer, identified as **Stephen**, recounted the challenges he faced after his PTSD claim was approved. He reported struggles with intense emotions, including rage and sadness, as well as nightmares that affected his relationships with family and friends. While he received a PTSD diagnosis from his psychologist and **Centre for Addiction and Mental Health** (CAMH), the DRPS appealed his case, deepening his feelings of worthlessness and frustration.

Another officer, **Kevin**, described how he has never felt a significant period of recovery since being off work. “Every time I get a little bit better, DRPS will do something,” he lamented, underscoring the ongoing emotional strain caused by the service’s response to their claims.

Psychologist **Sean O’Brien**, who has worked with DRPS members for nearly three decades, emphasized that objections without clear arguments are “absolutely devastating” for the mental health of his patients. This observation aligns with the experiences shared by many officers, who feel that their integrity is called into question when their claims are contested.

The DRPS indicated that it has submitted intent-to-object forms for **60 claims** and proceeded with formal appeals for **14 of those cases**. Despite this activity, the specifics regarding the success rate of these appeals remain unclear, as **CBC News** has sought further clarification from the DRPS.

In discussing the challenges within the WSIB system, Moreira pointed out that delays in obtaining functional abilities forms—a key component in assessing a worker’s readiness to return—can stretch over several years. He criticized the existing framework, suggesting that it has been inadequate for handling PTSD claims effectively since the passage of legislation in **2016** that allows first responders to apply for benefits based on presumed work-related PTSD.

Meanwhile, the WSIB maintains that employers can directly communicate with case managers to receive updates about a worker’s claim. According to a spokesperson, **Christine Arnott**, various methods exist for employers to gather information without needing to challenge a claim formally.

As these debates unfold, Stephen has expressed his sentiments clearly: “The WSIB has helped me immensely. Durham Regional Police has not.”

The ongoing challenges faced by officers in securing mental health benefits have drawn attention to the broader issues within the DRPS. The **Durham Regional Police Association** has voiced concerns regarding the impact of employer challenges on officers’ mental health and recovery efforts.

While the DRPS board chair and mayor of Ajax, **Shaun Collier**, declined to comment, the situation continues to evolve, raising critical questions about the treatment of officers within the service and the support structures in place for those battling mental health issues.