Windsor, Ont., police staff question leadership's concern for their welfare: internal survey

Two-thirds of employees with Windsor, Ont., police say senior leadership isn't interested in workers' welfare, according to an internal survey.

Only 23 per cent of those surveyed in December 2020, several months into the pandemic, said employee wellness was improving. 

The results of the 51-page Employee Consultation Survey, obtained by CBC News through a freedom of information request, were released internally in July 2021. It's the only internal survey undertaken in the last five years.

Although COVID-19 may have influenced the results, the Windsor Police Association (WPA) said, other factors were in play at the time. One major issue was a "communication breakdown" between the lower ranks and the leadership team over the last 2½ years during Pam Mizuno's time as chief of police.

Mizuno abruptly announced her retirement in March, effective in nine days, and she cited needing to spend more time with her family. CBC News reached out to Mizuno for an interview at that time and our request was denied.

"We find it [to be] a huge issue because if we can't properly communicate with our senior administration, it's hard to resolve issues," said WPA president Shawn McCurdy.

WATCH | Windsor Police Association speaks on lack of communication from previous senior leadership:

A major issue has been officers fighting to keep the 12-hour shifts that have been in place since 2016.

McCurdy said the shifts provide them with a better work-life balance.  Police administration has tried to revert back to what they call a "10-10-8" schedule — 10 hours on mornings, 10 hours on afternoons and an eight-hour midnight shift.

"Policing is a very demanding job, and if we can facilitate by scheduling our members on a steady schedule to give them some kind of balance in their life ... that will have a profound impact on their mental health," said McCurdy.

Within the last few weeks, an arbitrator allowed officers to keep the 12-hour shifts and ruled any changes must be made during collective bargaining, McCurdy said. Bargaining could start this fall.

As defined in the survey, Mizuno was just one piece of the senior leadership team at the time. Deputy chiefs, superintendents, inspectors and directors were also included.

Under Mizuno's watch, Jason Bellaire was deputy chief when employees took the survey.

Now, he's acting police chief, and told CBC News he takes "full responsibility" for the results. At the same time, he believes the COVID-19 pandemic had a "massive" impact on how employees answered the questions.