Decrease in complaints made to the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland
Date published:
Topics:
Crime and justice
New official statistics published today by NISRA statisticians in the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland present data on complaints received during the first three quarters of 2025/26 (April to December 2025).
Key findings
- Between April and December 2025, the Office received 2,282 complaints, a decrease of 2% compared with the same period in 2024/25.
- This was the lowest number of complaints received in the first three quarters of the previous three years.
- Criminal investigation was the most common factor underlying complaints, accounting for just over a quarter of all complaints received.
- Complaints arising from traffic incidents saw the largest percentage decrease, falling by 39% compared with last year.
- While overall complaints fell, the number of allegations increased by 7% to 4,117 - the second highest figure for this period in the last six years.
- 'Failure in Duty' was the most common allegation type, accounting for 54% of all allegations received (2,224 allegations).
- Nine of the 11 policing districts saw a decrease in complaints, while two districts experienced an increase. District A (Belfast City) accounted for 29% of all complaints received.
About this publication
This quarterly bulletin presents statistics on the number of complaints received by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland in the first three quarters of 2025/26.
It also compares the level of complaints with previous years, helping to identify trends in the number and nature of the complaints received.
Further information
Read the full report: Quarterly Statistical Bulletins