The army in Bolivia has been deployed to patrol the streets as police across the country continue to strike in protest at low pay.
Protests turned violent late last week when officers seized control of a police barracks in the capital, La Paz.
Communications minister Amanda Davila said the officers were stockpiling weapons and pressuring other units to turn over their guns, setting the scene for a coup.
But police sergeant Javier Quisbe said the police force is being exploited.
