Home / Crime and Justice / DRPS Clashes Over PTSD Claims
DRPS Clashes Over PTSD Claims
13 Jan
Summary
- DRPS objects to PTSD claims, citing need for more information.
- Ontario first responders have presumed work-related PTSD benefits since 2016.
- Financial liability is a key motivator for police services to appeal claims.
Durham Regional Police Services (DRPS) is reportedly challenging some PTSD claims submitted by its members, a move that contradicts the presumption of work-relatedness for first responders in Ontario since 2016. The Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) system allows for rapid application for benefits for diagnosed PTSD.
DRPS Chief Peter Moreira stated that objections are filed to expedite the acquisition of member case files, citing delays within the WSIB system. However, legal experts suggest this objection process is the initial step in questioning a claim's validity. Concerns have been raised by a psychologist who works with DRPS members, indicating a persistent stigma around mental health within the force, with some senior officers allegedly suspecting malingering.
Financial considerations are also a primary driver, as DRPS spent $9.4 million on WSIB claims in 2025. The Police Association of Ontario is urging police chiefs to cease appealing mental health claims, emphasizing the need to foster a supportive environment for officers who regularly encounter trauma.
