In a press conference, Lithuanian Police Commissioner Arūnas Paulauskas highlighted the ambition to grow the police community in Lithuania. He noted that last year the police force recorded a reduction of only 31 officers, marking it as the smallest drop in personnel over the last ten years. This reduction reflects a stabilization in police numbers as opposed to the more significant declines seen in preceding years.

According to data from the police department, this year 37 officers have either retired or been dismissed, while only 13 new recruits have been added to the force. In contrast, previous years saw an average of 45 officers leaving the service each month. This trend indicates a potential turning point for the police workforce, perhaps emphasizing recruitment efforts or adjustments to retention policies.

The discussion surrounding police numbers is particularly relevant in the context of public safety and law enforcement efficacy in Lithuania. A smaller but stable police force might focus on community engagement and crime prevention strategies, rather than just responding to incidents, which could lead to enhanced public trust and a more effective policing model overall.