Back at work after PTSD treatment
Judge commends suspended cop’s ‘commitment to mental health’
A Durham police officer who pulled his gun on another cop in a Bowmanville police station will return to work after more than four years.
Const. Ian Cameron, a British Armed Forces veteran who joined the Durham Regional Police Service in 2004, suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder when the incident occurred, a disciplinary hearing heard. Cameron has been suspended without pay since September 2009. Hearing officer Terence Kelly noted that Cameron had apologized for the incident shortly afterward and sought help to deal with his “severe PTSD,” including treatment for alcohol dependence and ongoing psychological support. Kelly accepted various doctors’ assessments that Cameron is a very low risk to re-offend. The PTSD was a result of traumatic experiences as a soldier in war and as a police officer. “This officer has shown he is determined to overcome his PTSD and is working very hard to accomplish that goal,” Kelly, a retired deputy chief in York region’s police service, wrote in his decision. “Regrettably, people who suffer from this illness often have to cope with the stigma which, unfortunately, is often still attached to this illness.
“This negativity towards those living with PTSD is unacceptable in this day and age and it behooves those of us who are involved in such circumstances to offer encouragement and not label anyone who suffers from this condition as unproductive.
“Nothing could be further from the truth. With support and acceptance, this journey to complete recovery is very attainable.”
Ian Johnstone, who prosecuted the charge of discreditable conduct against Cameron for the Durham Regional Police Service, pressed for dismissal of the officer.
“He said no other penalty would be appropriate due to the serious nature of the misconduct of Const. Cameron,” the decision quoted Johnstone.
Later it noted: “He stated that substance abuse and PTSD can explain potentially why he did what he did, however, it is not an excuse for his behaviour on the night in question.”
Cameron pleaded guilty to the discreditable conduct charge.
In September 2009, Cameron got into a scuffle with a colleague and pulled his gun out, pointing it at the officer’s stomach. He was charged with assault and weapons offences in relation to the incident.
He later pleaded guilty to the assault charge and was given an absolute discharge.
The judge in that case based that decision on Cameron’s “incredible commitment” in “addressing the evils, the monsters, that you have to deal with because of your post-traumatic stress diagnosis.”
“It makes me believe . . . that you are a very low risk to re-offend because of your commitment to your mental health, because of your proven ability, now that you have the skills to manage your addiction, and because of the incredible support systems that are around you. . .” wrote Justice K.L. Mulligan in October 2010.
Cameron had a clean disciplinary record prior to the incident.
Durham Regional Police Association’s Randy Henning said the police force has leading edge programs to support police staff in distress. There is a peer support system — one of the first of its kind — and an assistance program, there are teams that support officers during critical incidents. And, unlike many police forces, Durham cops don’t have a financial cap on support from psychologists or psychiatrists. “There is help for members,” said Henning. Police culture is changing, said the 32-year-veteran officer, with more discussion and recognition of mental health. But there’s still a ways to go. “There’s still stigma attached, you know, we’re supposed to be the wall,” said Henning. “Sometimes you don’t want to show there may be a crack in the wall.” Psychologist Ann Malain said officers are often hesitant to seek treatment for PTSD, concerned about how they’ll be viewed by colleagues, whether it will affect their careers and promotion prospects. Cameron’s reinstatement comes with a two-year demotion and a slew of conditions, including no independent patrols during the first year, regular meetings with supervisors, continuing treatment and maintaining sobriety.