Lithuanian police leaders discussed the ongoing challenges of low salaries compared to neighboring countries, contributing to a staffing crisis within the force.
On Thursday, leaders of the Lithuanian police introduced various challenges faced in 2025, including 34 million euros lost to fraud, a growing illegal drug market, and critical situations such as tackling smuggling of balloons and terror acts linked to Russia. The ongoing issue of retention is compounded by the fact that more police officers are leaving than joining each year.
The General Commissioner highlighted the disparity in salaries, stating that an Estonian police officer's starting salary is €2,350 net, compared to approximately €1,000 for their Lithuanian counterparts. This pay gap sheds light on the reasons behind the staffing crisis, as young people are often deterred from choosing a career in law enforcement due to the challenging and often dangerous nature of the work coupled with inadequate compensation.
In response to the staffing crisis, Lithuanian police leaders are launching various initiatives aimed at attracting younger individuals to the police force, such as offering social benefits and focusing on community strengthening within the institution. They recognize that improving wages is essential in making the police career path more appealing and retaining current officers, thereby enhancing overall public safety in Lithuania.
