Barrie police Const. Brad Traves says there is a lack of mental health support for front-line officers who still experience stigma. – Rick Vanderlinde/Torstar
By Rick Vanderlinde. Barrie Advance
“If you say those four letters — PTSD — your career is over.”
A veteran Barrie police officer who had an emotional breakdown that led to disciplinary charges says there is a lack of mental health support for officers.
“They say they support you, but they don’t,” Const. Brad Traves said. “They have posters and they tweet out on mental health day but when it comes down to it, you are not supported.”
Traves, who pleaded guilty to discreditable conduct and insubordination in March, told simcoe.com stigma surrounding post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues continues within Barrie’s police service.
“A supervisor once told me if you say those four letters — PTSD — you are f….d, your career is over. Against all my instincts, I went to HR for help.”