Police chief suspended

The top-ranking officer in Riga's central police force has been suspended pending the results of an investigation into the activities of 180 "police aides" with murky job descriptions.

Interior Minister Maris Gulbis ordered the suspension of Riga Police Chief Igors Krasovskis and his deputy, Voldemars Hemelevskis, while officials examine the roles of the assistants.

According to a state police order, assistants have a wide range of ill-defined powers, including the power to demand identity documents of citizens, transport people to police custody and use force in preventing a crime.

Krasovskis was suspended in order to ensure a fair and unbiased investigation, officials said.

If found guilty of violations, both Krasovskis and those employed as aides could face expulsion from the force, said ministry spokeswoman Vita Norina.