DistantNews
Support us
On Patrol with Lithuanian Officers in Palanga: Brawls, Gas, and Intoxicated Tourists
๐Ÿ‡ฑ๐Ÿ‡น Lithuania /Crime & Justice

On Patrol with Lithuanian Officers in Palanga: Brawls, Gas, and Intoxicated Tourists

From Delfi · () Lithuanian

Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Lithuanian Public Security Service (VST) officers patrolled Palanga during a busy holiday weekend, responding to various incidents including noise complaints and public intoxication.
  • Despite occasional rowdiness fueled by alcohol, officers reported generally positive interactions with the public, receiving thanks and requests for photos from grateful residents and tourists.
  • The patrols highlighted how alcohol often escalates minor disturbances into situations requiring police intervention, though officers emphasized their focus on de-escalating aggression.

Lithuanian Public Security Service (VST) officers navigated the bustling streets of Palanga during a holiday weekend, offering a glimpse into their night patrols. The "Delfi" team joined officers Tadas Kirmilas and Simas Petrauskas for two nights of observation, witnessing firsthand the challenges and interactions that define policing in the popular seaside resort after dark.

You came, and the events increased.

โ€” Tadas KirmilasA lighthearted remark made by Captain Tadas Kirmilas to the Delfi team upon their arrival.

Initial calls involved noise disturbances and public alcohol consumption, typical for a busy holiday period. One instance saw officers briefly lose track of a speeding vehicle during a pursuit. However, the officers noted that while some individuals seemed to provoke attention, the public's reaction was predominantly friendly. "We are noticed, usually accepted in a friendly manner, we feel respect," Kirmilas shared.

Many people approached the officers to express gratitude for their presence, offer praise, or simply ask for a photo. "Sometimes people come and say: you are great, thank you for patrolling. Even staff on Basanaviฤius Street thank us and want to cooperate," said Petrauskas.

We are noticed, usually accepted in a friendly manner, we feel respect.

โ€” Tadas KirmilasOfficer Kirmilas describing the public's general reaction to their patrols.

As the night deepened, alcohol emerged as a frequent catalyst for escalating situations. "As long as the person is not malicious or aggressive, everything is fine. But after a certain glass, aggressiveness begins โ€“ then we react," explained Petrauskas. The officers demonstrated this principle when they intervened with a man carrying an open beer, asking him to pour it out, which he complied with.

Sometimes people come and say: you are great, thank you for patrolling. Even staff on Basanaviฤius Street thank us and want to cooperate.

โ€” Simas PetrauskasOfficer Petrauskas sharing positive interactions with the public.

The patrols underscored the VST's role in maintaining order amidst the revelry of Palanga's summer season. While the work involves responding to a range of incidents, from minor infractions to potentially more serious altercations, the officers emphasized their commitment to de-escalating conflict and ensuring public safety.

As long as the person is not malicious or aggressive, everything is fine. But after a certain glass, aggressiveness begins โ€“ then we react.

โ€” Simas PetrauskasOfficer Petrauskas explaining the point at which police intervention becomes necessary due to alcohol-fueled behavior.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog