The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) in southern Ontario was found to have a toxic work environment where instances of harassment were not adequately handled, and management actively opposed officers seeking mental health support, as per recently disclosed records.
The Ontario Civilian Police Commission (OCPC) conducted an investigation into the workplace culture, policies, and procedures of the DRPS and its board. The report, along with a summary, was acquired by CBC News through a freedom of information request.
The report confirmed that a toxic work environment existed at the DRPS. It noted that while workplace harassment investigations followed proper policies, they were tainted by bias and poor record-keeping practices.
Peter Brauti, representing current and former DRPS members who initiated the inquiry, expressed disappointment over the heavily redacted report, stating that individuals who came forward with complaints saw their lives adversely affected without accountability.
The DRPS, based in Whitby and serving various municipalities in Durham Region, faced allegations of favoritism, cronyism, reprisals, and criminal activities at senior levels, as reported in a letter by Brauti to the deputy minister of community safety and correctional services in November 2018.
Following the launch of the investigation by the OCPC in May 2019 and the subsequent interviews with around 80 witnesses, the report was finalized in July. Despite efforts to obtain the report, it remained confidential as the OCPC disbanded in line with new provincial policing legislation.
According to CBC News, the OCPC shared its findings exclusively with the DRPS, its board, and the province’s solicitor general. The DRPS Chief, Peter Moreira, and the board urged the OCPC to release the report and emphasized their commitment to implementing any recommendations for improvement.
The report highlighted various issues within the DRPS, including inadequate scrutiny of senior officer appointments, lack of independence in workplace harassment investigations, dismissive attitudes towards mental health concerns, and perceived favoritism impacting operations.
Additionally, the report mentioned that the DRPS opposed applications for presumptive PTSD support, leading to legal battles and significant taxpayer expenses. It also criticized the board for hindering the investigation by not cooperating with the OCPC and delaying document access.
The report outlined 33 recommendations, including ensuring members can report misconduct without fear of reprisal, establishing new promotion integrity policies, and recording interviews conducted by workplace investigators.
Brauti, still awaiting the full report, expressed his determination to advocate for his clients to receive an unredacted version. The wider release of the report, with potentially fewer redactions, remains uncertain.
[Source](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/poisoned-workplace-in-durham-police-9.6975262)