Daily morning alcohol tests planned for some police officers

Latvia is considering implementing mandatory daily morning alcohol tests for police officers who carry firearms and operate service vehicles. This proposed measure comes in the wake of a tragic incident in Priekule where an intoxicated off-duty police officer fatally assaulted a man.

Following the Priekule incident, the leadership of the Dienvidkurzeme police precinct was asked to explain their measures for preventing alcohol consumption among officers. Politician Dombrava noted that alcohol testing had not been a regular practice. Consequently, stricter requirements are being introduced, including daily morning alcohol tests for officers who regularly carry weapons and drive official cars.

Dombrava suggested that the ongoing internal investigation into the Dienvidkurzeme precinct could result in a change of leadership. The investigation is examining the precinct's alcohol prevention measures. The suspect in the Priekule case, a police officer, has been arrested and the investigation is now handled by the Internal Security Bureau (IDB).

The incident involved a conflict during a town festival, leading to a fatal assault. The arrested officer, identified as Andis Silnieks, a junior inspector, reportedly claimed to investigators that he does not remember the events. The deceased was a teacher and head of the "Apparel Design" program at the Liepāja Music, Art, and Design Secondary School. The officer has been in service since September 2022 and had no prior disciplinary actions.