Morale among Brantford Police Service rank and file has dropped, with many officers citing a lack of confidence in Chief Rob Davis, a recent survey has found
Conducted by Research Etc. on behalf of the Brantford Police Association, the survey, a copy of which was obtained by The Expositor, looked at employee morale, satisfaction and confidence in senior leadership, as well as perceptions of fairness, equity and communication.
The survey found:
• Over half of survey respondents are happy with their jobs and find the workload reasonable. However, they do not find the service provides sufficient career opportunity and do not have confidence in the senior leadership team;
• Most respondents are not confident in the chief and human resources. They tend to have more confidence in Deputy Chief Jason Saunders and their direct supervisors;
• Respondents perceive the disciplinary, promotional and internal transfers processes as not fair or transparent;
• Respondents are somewhat satisfied with the tools and programs provided by the service. However, senior leadership communication scored low.
The police association has about 260 members, which includes sworn officers and civilian staff. Sixty-eight per hundred participated in the survey, which was completed in July.
The survey asked: “Do you have confidence in the following senior leadership?” Twenty-two per cent of respondents said: “I have confidence in the BPS Chief.”
In response to a question about human resources, 33 per cent of respondents said: “I have confidence in human resources at BPS.”
Comments from survey respondents also highlight low morale in the ranks.
“Since starting at BPS, I feel morale as a whole has completely changed and not in a good way,” said one respondent.
Another survey participant said confidence is low with most of senior leadership.
“Many people refer to this place as toxic…likely due to people becoming bitter as they see officers who do less work get promoted because they’re friends with a sergeant or someone with rank,” said one respondent.
One respondent, according to the survey, said the chief “has destroyed our service,” adding: “I have never seen morale so low.”
Yet another said: “In over a decade of working for this service, I have never seen the morale as low as it has been and the numbers of police officers thinking about switching to a different service, including myself.”
Jeremy Morton, president of the Brantford Police Association, declined to comment on the survey’s findings.
He said the Brantford police services board has been made aware of the survey results. And the association will await the board’s response before publicly commenting, Morton said.
The board, which sets policies and oversees the police service, has one employee – the police chief.
The survey and the results were presented to the board at its monthly meeting on Nov. 10 in an in-camera, or closed-door, session. No one from the general public or media was allowed to attend that portion of the meeting.
“This is a human resources issue which the Brantford police services board received and discussed in-camera,” board chair Mark Littell said.
“As board members are not at liberty to comment on in-camera matters, I cannot comment on the specifics. The board is committed to working with the Brantford Police Association regarding any concerns they may have.”
Littell said he has a trusting working relationship with the chief.
Davis, who grew up on Six Nations of the Grand River, became Brantford’s chief in 2019. Before that, he was chief of police in Lethbridge, Alta.
Davis said policing is experiencing a culture shift, with the last few years proving to be exceptionally difficult for officers across the country.
“As chief, I have wholeheartedly dedicated my efforts at BPS to implement change, modernize and diversify our police force to best serve our community,” he said. “Change is uncomfortable for some but is vital to ensure that BPS is positioned to continue to effectively respond to our community’s growing needs.”
Davis said it is accepted that, especially recently, some members of the public do not like the role of the police.
“Despite this, our members remain dedicated to the community they serve,” he said. “Our members are our greatest asset and continue to do their best to serve our community day-in and day-out.”
Davis said he continues to encourage members to bring concerns forward to ensure their voices are heard.
“I remain an advocate for change, equity, diversity, and inclusion while being focused to provide effective policing to our community and appreciate those who understand the importance of positive change.”
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