Many of Ottawa's top police investigators are dealing with severe health issues caused by work overload and heavy stress, according to an analysis of the city's police force.
The study—the "Criminal Investigations Directorate Enhancement Project"—examined the workload facing officers who investigate serious crimes like murders and sexual assaults.
It found that investigators are facing "role overload," meaning they're forced to take on too many cases. The result is lowered loyalty to the organization, increased sick leave, and negative coping mechanisms like alcohol abuse.
The study's author, Carleton University Professor Linda Duxbury, said many officers have lost the drive to work because of the stress.
Deputy Police Chief Gilles Larochelle says the Ottawa Police have restructured some units and added some additional resources to help officers cope.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Catherine Lathem
