The Victoria Police Department is looking to bring in a psychological medical director and an occupational health nurse on a contract basis to support its officers and civilian staff.
The request for proposals for the two positions comes as the department also launches a largely volunteer peer-support team, made up of both officers and others who can help with stress-related problems and other concerns.
More than 20 per cent of the department’s 249 officers are currently off the job due to injury, medical leave and other issues.
“It’s certainly fair to say that it’s significant,” said department spokesman Bowen Osoko. “It’s definitely a challenge here.”
Although the peer-support team was launched this month, members who had already completed their training stepped in to help in the aftermath of the June 28 shootout at the Bank of Montreal on Shelbourne Street, in which six officers with the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team — including three VicPD members — were injured.
The last of the injured officers left hospital Sept. 7.
The two suspects in the robbery were shot and killed by officers.
The department said the psychological medical director will provide clinical services and connect employees to services following critical incidents or complex cases.
The occupational health nurse will help officers and staff stay on the job or return to work.
“Taking care of our people, whether they be sworn officers or civilians, is vital to maintaining our ability to serve the communities of Victoria and Esquimalt,” said Police Chief Del Manak.
jbell@timescolonist.com
