If you follow local policing news, you know Saint John Police Chief Robert Bruce faces scrutiny at home. Now, newly revealed court documents show he faces serious allegations of misconduct stemming from his previous career in Ontario.
Heather Harmer filed lawsuits against the Ontario Provincial Police and the police union in 2022. She blames them for the 2019 suicide of her husband, OPP officer Jeffrey Harmer. While Bruce is not a named defendant, the CBC News report reveals the lawsuits accuse him of tyrannical leadership, bullying and cronyism.
Bruce served as commander of the field services branch in Orillia from 2011 to 2014. Heather Harmer claims her husband fell victim to Bruce and his leadership style during this time.
Bruce retired from the OPP in 2015 and took over as Saint John police chief in 2021. His lawyer declined to comment on the lawsuits due to legal restrictions.
Local Complaints Mirror Ontario Allegations
These Ontario allegations surface as Bruce deals with similar complaints in New Brunswick. Last year, nine members of the Saint John Police Force filed conduct complaints against him. Eight of those officers want a judicial review after local and provincial police commissions dismissed their complaints about a toxic work environment.
The $31 Million Lawsuit
Heather Harmer seeks more than $31 million in damages. She filed the suits on behalf of herself, her husband and their two children. Jeffrey Harmer died by suicide at age 50 after serving half his life as an OPP officer.
The statements of claim argue the suicide was preventable. Heather Harmer says the OPP and the union failed to protect her husband from prolonged workplace stress and failed to provide psychiatric intervention.
A Culture of Bullying
Court documents state Jeffrey Harmer received exemplary evaluations until 2011. That year, Bruce became commander. The lawsuit alleges Bruce accumulated complaints in previous roles and his promotion caused controversy.
The claim states Bruce and his allies created a toxic workplace. They allegedly targeted Jeffrey Harmer because they disliked his new training program methods. The lawsuit claims superiors singled him out for unfavorable evaluations and removed his duties without cause.
Jeffrey Harmer filed a lengthy workplace discrimination and harassment complaint in April 2014. The document included his personal notes detailing struggles with suicidal thoughts, depression and anxiety.
Union Deflects Blame to the Province
The Ontario Provincial Police Association denies all allegations. The union filed a statement of defence in April 2024 asking the court to dismiss the lawsuit.
However, the union also filed a third party claim against the Province of Ontario. The union argues the Crown oversees policing. The claim states if the allegations against Bruce are true, the Crown should have known he habitually engaged in bullying behavior and lacked the suitability for leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chief Robert Bruce being sued?
No. Heather Harmer is suing the Ontario Provincial Police and the police union. Bruce is not a named defendant, but the lawsuit heavily details his alleged misconduct.
What are the allegations against Bruce in Ontario?
The lawsuit accuses Bruce of tyrannical leadership, bullying and cronyism during his time as an OPP commander between 2011 and 2014.
Are there similar complaints in Saint John?
Yes. Nine Saint John police officers filed conduct complaints against Bruce last year alleging a toxic work environment.
This is a very disturbing report, and maybe it will take this revelation from the serious issues in Ontario for the powers that be here to take the local complaints seriously.