Durham police mental health support is facing criticism from former officer William Woodstock, who is urging earlier identification of psychological injuries and a more supportive workplace culture.
In a new interview published by DurhamRegion.com on November 9, Woodstock described feeling unsupported after traumatic calls and said officers should not have to carry the full responsibility for recognizing when they need help.
Earlier help and lived experience
Woodstock has also set out his concerns in his own public writing. In a personal LinkedIn statement, he described leaving policing after returning to work following a traumatic 2020 call.
He argued that experience gained by serving and former officers should inform how support systems are designed. His statement calls for collaboration with police leaders and provincial decision-makers, rather than treating psychological injury only after a crisis.
That earlier statement provides background to his current public appeal; it is not a newly announced police policy or an independent finding about the service.
Police describe existing resources
DurhamRegion.com’s report also includes the service’s response. DRPS said it offers more than 20 wellness programs, with 24 trained peer supporters and two mental health clinicians available to officers.
Police denied that seeking help disadvantages officers and said such treatment could amount to misconduct. Woodstock’s account remains his description of his experience, not an adjudicated conclusion.
The Durham police mental health debate concerns whether available support reaches people early enough. The reviewed reporting does not announce a new program, budget decision or change in eligibility.
