In an interview with CBC News, Bryson said senior officers are "belittling and humiliating people in the workplace who experience mental health struggles that arise from the job."But taken together, experts and advocates in mental health for police say the complaints paint a picture of a workplace culture that is toxic for employees struggling with mental health issues.
At least six of the nine complainants have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and several also were diagnosed with anxiety and depression, according to the complaints.But while on leave, all seven have alleged or are worried senior members of the force wrote to the Workplace Safety Insurance Board attempting to have their benefits denied. They also claim this is a routine practice.
The complaints also allege the police force routinely challenges or refuses return-to-work accommodations, and threatens criminal charges against employees under the Police Services Act . Bryson said she referred information to Ontario's attorney general to determine whether a criminal investigation should be conducted.
The OPP spokesperson said they would not be commenting further "to preserve the integrity of the outcome of that assessment."