CBRM refusing to release staff survey results, but police union says low morale is no secret

Cape Breton Regional Municipality is refusing to release the results of a wellness survey of its first responders, but the union representing police says it's no secret that officer morale is in the tank.

CBRM says it is keeping the survey of police, firefighters, dispatch operators, jailers and records staff confidential, because it does not want the data to be misinterpreted.

Hugh Gillis, vice-president of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union that represents Cape Breton Regional Police, said the results should be pretty clear.

"We really need some action on these issues here in Cape Breton, because the morale is just as low as it's ever been," he said.

Gillis said the police force needs better equipment and more officers to spread out the workload.

"It's about their health and safety, and the inability to recruit new officers has left staff feeling overworked and exhausted," he said.

"The problem is that each year the budget for the police had run surpluses and they returned that money back to CBRM. Meanwhile, equipment and staffing issues go unaddressed and it's totally unacceptable."

The survey was recently presented to the police commission behind closed doors.

Gillis said the fact it's being talked about is a good sign.

"Now that these results have been formally reported to council, NSGEU hopes that the council actually opens their eyes and begins to start taking immediate action on these issues," he said.

After a June police commission meeting, Chief Robert Walsh declined to comment.

"I have to direct you to CBRM [human resources] on that matter. I can't discuss it publicly. It was an in-camera session."

In an email later, CBRM spokesperson Jenna MacQueen refused to release the results of the survey, even with anonymous data that would not identify individuals, saying it includes sensitive information.

She said the survey was an internal tool and the results have been shared with council, the police commission, management and union representatives "to ensure the right conversations are happening and actions are taken."

CBRM to 'make meaningful changes'

"Our goal is to create a safe space for staff to provide honest feedback so we can make meaningful changes that address their challenges," MacQueen said.

"Publicly releasing this information could undermine that trust and deter future participation."

The Cape Breton police force has struggled with absenteeism, but it has also taken steps to try to recruit more officers, including offering a cash signing bonus.

CBRM also added $700,000 to this year's police budget for street surveillance cameras, dashcams for patrol cars and bodycams for officers. Walsh has said the bodycams will increase officer safety.

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