Latvian police chief proposes stripping service pensions for intentional crimes

Armands Ruks, the chief of Latvia's State Police, said on Friday in an interview with TV3's "900 sekundes" show that police officers who have deliberately committed crimes should no longer be entitled to receive a service pension. According to Ruks, such a legislative amendment could be submitted for adoption.

He also believes there should be an exception to existing rules that would let police management receive information about health problems detected during mandatory annual medical examinations, including possible addictions, if these could affect officers' professional duties. Currently, due to patient rights protections, this information is not shared with police leadership.

The proposals come after recent incidents involving off-duty police officers committing crimes while intoxicated. Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava has ordered an internal disciplinary review against Ruks in connection with these cases. Ruks has in turn launched an audit to review the current control mechanisms and discipline oversight, as well as to look for additional ways to prevent similar events.

Over the weekend, an intoxicated policeman in Priekule, who was off duty, fatally beat a teacher during a public celebration. On Wednesday, in the Aizkraukle area, a female police officer was caught after causing a car accident while driving drunk off duty and fleeing the scene.

Following the tragedy in Priekule, police will carry out alcohol tests as a preventive measure. The tests will apply to officers whose duties involve carrying a service weapon or driving police vehicles.