Latvia's National Police reported an increase in personnel in 2022 but still faces shortages; issues with workload, working conditions, and pay have led to resignations, while efforts are ongoing to retain and attract officers back to the service.
The National Police of Latvia concluded the previous year with a growth in personnel but continues to face a shortage of law enforcement officers. In 2022, 375 new police officers were hired, while 302 left the service. The current number of available positions in the police stands at 6,012, with only 4,656 filled positions, suggesting an ongoing struggle to attract sufficient personnel. This shortage is not isolated to police, as other institutions are also competing for qualified workers amidst high demand in various sectors.
Armands Ruks, the head of the National Police, emphasized the need for improvements to retain staff and bring back Latvian citizens who have found opportunities abroad. The issues cited for resignations include workload, work environment, and remuneration. In 2025, a noteworthy increase in salaries for officers is expected, which could potentially improve retention rates and job satisfaction. However, the task remains substantial given the competitive landscape of public sector employment in Latvia and beyond.
The data also highlights that there were 1,199 contractual employees within the police, despite a total of 1,316 assigned positions, indicating a significant reliance on such contracts to fill gaps. With 100 officers voluntarily leaving the force, and a continuous focus on enhancing working conditions, the National Police is striving to address the shortfall and create a more appealing work environment to invest in the future of public safety in Latvia.
