Latvian Police Chief Armands Ruks Calls to Strip Pension Rights from Convicted Officers

State Police (VP) chief Armands Ruks said police officers who commit crimes should lose their right to a service pension. He proposes a legislative amendment to remove pension eligibility for officers convicted of offences, especially when the crime is committed off‑duty.

Ruks highlighted recent incidents – a drunken officer in Priekuli fatally assaulted a teacher and a policewoman in Aizkraukle caused a traffic crash while intoxicated and fled the scene. Following these cases, Interior Minister Jānis Dombrava ordered a service review of Ruks. The police chief has also ordered an internal audit of discipline mechanisms and announced that officers required to carry firearms or operate police vehicles will undergo mandatory alcohol testing.