The Saskatchewan Police Commission has released the results of their investigation into workplace concerns within the Estevan Police Service.
The inquiry, initiated in June 2021, consisted of fact-finding interviews focused on workplace culture, health and well-being support for police officers; the role and responsibilities of the Chief of Police and the Estevan Board of Police Commissioners; and what effect these factors have had on the quality of police services in Estevan.
The inquiry came after multiple complaints were filed after the death of Estevan Police Service Constable Jay Pierson. The complaints revolved around the belief that senior officials mistreated Pierson.
Pierson had been diagnosed with PTSD and deemed unable to work, but struggled to obtain workers’ compensation benefits due to senior figures with the police service has expressed concern over his performance. He would eventually with a legal battle that granted him the benefits but would die of natural causes later in May of 2021.
During the investigation, Fox found a lack of trust between police officers and their superiors, a board of police commissioners that did not have a clear understanding of its role and responsibilities, and a belief that mental health issues would not be treated seriously or addressed if brought forward.
Those issues would result in the resignation of Estevan Police Chief Paul Ladouceur, who was already unpopular within the service since his appointment and his efforts to appeal Pierson’s request for worker’s compensation further eroded trust.
During his investigation, Fox interviewed 27 people and said that the inquiry found that mental health services need to be consistent, accessible and anonymous for police officers to feel comfortable using them without fear of stigma.
He recommended the force continue its contract with a counsellor in Regina while stressing that members must be informed about how much assistance is available.
Other recommendations included creating policies to establish how police officers will access mental health services and how the force will re-integrate officers who were absent from work for extended periods, create a peer-to-peer counselling program, foster dialogue between the police chief or deputy chief and members of the force, and communicate when significant changes that would affect staff members are made.
The Commission will conduct an audit in 2023 to ensure the positive steps taken by the Estevan Police Service and its board of police commissioners during the inquiry continue.
