"The heavily redacted report by the Ontario Civilian Police Commission, obtained by CBC News through a freedom of information request, says the DRPS "vigorously opposed virtually every application to the Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) for presumptive PTSD, and fought claims of chronic mental stress. These findings are concerning since people need timely interventions for mental health support, said Alec King, communications and public relations lead for the Canadian Mental Health Association Durham. When help is postponed, healing takes longer, he said."
"DRPS Chief Peter Moreira and the police board have said the report covers events that happened over six years ago, involving former board members and a senior command team that is no longer with the service. Much has changed since then, and many of the report's 33 recommendations are already in effect, Moreira and the board said but questions remain about how the service now handles PTSD and mental stress claims."
A six-year investigation found the Durham Regional Police Service opposed numerous applications to the Workplace Safety Insurance Board for presumptive PTSD and fought chronic mental stress claims. Investigators reported a poisoned work environment marked by bias in workplace harassment investigations, intimidation and dismissive attitudes toward mental health concerns. Mental-health advocates warn that delaying support lengthens recovery time. Police leadership and the board say the findings relate to events over six years ago under different leadership and that many of the report's 33 recommendations have been implemented, but uncertainty remains about current WSIB practices.
Read at www.cbc.ca
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