Liepāja Police Officers Discover Shocking Truth: Education Doesn't Hurt, But Salary Does

Liepāja municipal police officers have signed a collective letter that begins with a philosophical question: why did we study at university if we can get the same salary as a salesperson at 'Akropole'? Of 99 officers, 46 have higher education, including one with a doctorate degree, who probably now regrets choosing the wrong dissertation topic. Maybe he should have written about how to survive on 1,304 euros per month.

The officers warn of a brain drain reminiscent of the 2006 crisis. Back then at least there was something to blame — economic crisis, EU accession side effects. Now there's simply no money to pay people who maintain order in the city. As one officer says: 'We are an educated force that gets paid like unskilled labor.' He probably thinks it would be better in Riga, but there the apartment rent would eat up the entire salary.

The situation is absurd — experienced officers are fleeing to the Prison Administration, where salaries are probably higher. Ironically, working in prison is more profitable than maintaining order in freedom. As they say in Karosta café: 'Better to guard criminals than chase after them for such money.'

Now the city is left with 'new recruits' who lack experience. They'll probably learn practically — how to live decently on minimum wage with a master's degree and why nobody pays for tram tickets in Liepāja. But at least they'll have time to reconsider their career choice while waiting for a salary increase.