Stress, burnout among police in Canada 'pretty terrifying,' researcher says

Experts say police officers across Canada are feeling overloaded, stressed and burned out, prompting a renewed push from the Canadian Police Association (CPA) for "systemic, structural changes" it hopes will improve the culture of policing.

To better understand these issues, the CPA participated in a study that surveyed more than 1,000 officers across Canada. The survey says 35 per cent of them went to work when mentally unwell, while 31 per cent did so when physically ill, which is known as presenteeism. 

"If you look at the stress and the burnout levels, they're pretty terrifying because we expect these officers to be resilient and ready, and to be able to deliver under very difficult circumstances," said Linda Duxbury, a professor in management and strategy at Carleton University. She conducted the survey as a part of a larger research project.

Some of the biggest stressors identified among constables, sergeants and staff sergeants were related to increased workloads, reduced staffing levels and an "organizational culture that places a high premium" to prioritize work over family, the study says.

"Presenteeism actually is hugely damaging to an organization and to an individual," Duxbury said.

"And in fact, what shocked me is how many officers show up to work when they're mentally or physically unwell. They should not be there, but they show up. Why? Because the culture would be very judgy on them if they don't show up."

The survey, which was internally released to the CPA in May 2021, was recently obtained by CBC News.

Officers answered the survey questions during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic between October and December 2020. The report says the responses highlighted a policing culture where officers may be reluctant to ask for help or say no to additional work even if they're already overloaded.

Tom Stamatakis, president of the CPA, said he's heard these issues from police services across the country.

"The current model is not sustainable. We're asking people to do way too much, which is undermining their health, which I think does affect overall community safety and public safety," he said. 

"I don't think it's as bad as it is now."

Stamatakis said officer fatigue could affect productivity and performance when interacting with the public in difficult circumstances.

"Are you going to be able to manage that situation calmly, or is the situation going to escalate because you're fatigued and maybe not as patient as you should be?" said Stamatakis.

Generally, he said police are happy with the work they do and feel they're making a difference.