Exclusive – One officer said it has reached a “crisis” point at the Cobourg Police Service with another officer going off this week.
Today’s Northumberland reported that nearly half of the road officers at the service are currently on leave due to a number of reasons including medical.
Out of 17 officers that would most likely be on general patrol as of last week eight of them were not working.
This week Today’s Northumberland has learned another officer has gone off bringing the total to nine of 17 officers making it nearly 53% of road officers.
“It can range from short term, to long term to WSIB which is a workplace injury,” said the officer.
“This is a huge, huge crisis, safety of the public is paramount. I believe that the current strain that the officers are under is going to be on the borderline of something that is not being able to manage.”
When Today’s Northumberland broke the story about the lack of officers on patrol, the officer stated, “there was a lot of relief.”
“People are feeling pretty discouraged being out on the streets and fielding all the complaints from the public about how long it’s taking them to get the calls, their response, their ability to do the job and they are limited to what they can say.”
“They are doing the best they can with the numbers they have.”
‘It’s more of a crisis then it is a problem.”
The officer stated they believe firmly the Cobourg Police Services Board is aware of the problem, “to my knowledge, there has been no response.”
“Nobody wants to be off work. However until they are medically fit to come back to work, they can’t be there.”
“But when they are ready to come back, I believe the service should be doing everything in their power to get those officers healthy and back on the road and feeling like they are part of the team.”
A veteran Cobourg Police officer posted on Facebook on Friday, September 28, 2018 that it appears his career is over.
The Facebook post by Constable Larry Davis read, “I just want to thank the people that I have worked with and met within the past 20 years while working with the Cobourg Police. I have been dealing with PTSD and trying to fight to return to work. Unfortunately yesterday it would appear my career in policing has ended after almost 22 years. I was turned down an accommodation by management. I could say a lot of negatives about lack of support and issues with management but instead I thoroughly wish to Thank everyone I have worked with and met while working and living in Cobourg. Past management has helped my family through past family health issues and the experiences I have had while working with the people of Cobourg has been much appreciated. A lot of good officers have come and gone in the past few years. It is my hope that the officers once again become supported and the Cobourg Police Service becomes a safer place to work. Today I start looking at a new chapter in life. Unfortunately this sign off on social media is not ideal however is one of my only options to allow me to Thank the people I have worked and met while policing in Cobourg. God Bless!!!!!”
When word spread about Constable Davis’ post, the unnamed officer told Today’s Northumberland other officers were “devastated.”
“I fear for the others that are off. I feel worried for the people that are still there. It’s heartbreaking.”
“We just want the public to know what’s really going on and that none of us what it to be this way.”
Twelve year veteran Cobourg Police officer Amy Matthijsse copied Davis’ post on her Facebook and added, “It’s time. Time to stand up and start helping the officers who have dedicated their lives to protecting and serving you and your families. We are human. We hurt. We break. We struggle. We can’t do this without you. There is no one to protect us. This is the same service that charged me after filing a human rights and Ontario Health and Safety Act complaint. Enough is enough. The majority of police officers are hardworking, dedicated people who love their communities and risk it all to ensure the peace and safety of others. Reach out to your MPP’s. Reach out to the Cobourg Police Services Board. Reach out to the media. Let them know that this cannot be tolerated. #humanrightsmatter #PTSD #endthestigma”
Matthijsse is facing 19 charges of discreditable conduct under the Police Services Act.
An e-mail was also sent to Today’s Northumberland from an e-mail address of “ConcernedAboutCobourgPolice” shortly after 8 p.m. on Friday evening.
The e-mail was also sent to MPP David Piccini, MP Kim Rudd and the Cobourg Police Services Board and reads:
“Dear all,
I wish to remain anonymous, as I fear I might make it difficult for those I care deeply about at the Cobourg Police Service.
There’s something in the water. No, seriously, what’s going on at Cobourg Police Service?. I am old enough to know you can’t believe everything you read or hear. But, I think there are enough people speaking out, attempting to raise awareness of the staffing shortage, the safety concerns of both officers and the public, and the general well being of the officers to warrant asking more questions.
What’s it going to take? Officer death by suicide or attempt suicide, a beaten or murdered officer(again) in the line of duty, drug/alcohol dependence issues, failed marriages, angry children, confused parents. . These officers are human beings, pledging to serve and protect their community. Do they not deserve better? Are we not in a time of awareness of PTSD, mental illness, stress supports and caring for our fellow man? I am at a total loss. Also a concern for the citizens of Cobourg, do they not deserve better?
I’m simply looking for you, any of you to take the first step and take a look, dig a little deeper, see what the heck is going on here and try to resolve some of the issues. Namely get the road officers some back up – 2 possibly 3 officers on duty is going to cause more burnout. Don’t do this to anymore solid, loyal and hard working officers. Yes I’m mad, this is WRONG.
How can anyone not see there are very serious issues within this service? Almost half off? Only a couple officers on duty at any time… Morale all time low. Creation of various units that a small service can’t properly run while platoons suffer in manpower, safety?? The look of the “service” in the community CANNOT be more important than the police work.
I don’t claim to understand all the issues or have the solutions, but I implore you to look and help – I’m counting on you.
Please someone investigate and help now, not soon, not next year, now- please – and thank you.
Kindest regards.”
When asked for comment on the situation at the Cobourg Police Service, Chief Kai Liu stated, “Your question originated from an anonymous (Cobourg?) officer’s complaint; the Cobourg Police Service procedures and the Collective Agreement allows a member to bring his/her concern to his/her supervisor or Association (Union) representative to be addressed. To date, I have received no such grievance from the Association.”
“Both the employer and the Association have a duty to accommodate employees under the Ontario Human Rights Code.”
“As you know full well from previous interaction with me, I am not at liberty discuss personnel matters of my members with you.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
