Over 20,000 people stopped and searched or questioned by Police

Date published: 18 February 2026

New official statistics published today by NISRA statisticians in the Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI) present information on the use of stop and search powers by the PSNI between January-December 2025.

Key findings

• A total of 20,310 persons were stopped and searched or questioned in Northern Ireland during 2025, an increase of 5% compared to the previous 12 months.
• The Misuse of Drugs Act was the most commonly used power, accounting for 72% of all stops (14,658 incidents), an increase of 7% on the previous year. Drugs remains by far the most frequent reason for stop and search activity.
• Stops conducted under the Terrorism Act 2000 increased significantly, rising by 180% from 415 to 1,160 incidents compared to the previous 12 months.
• Conversely, use of the Police and Criminal Evidence Order (PACE) decreased by 5% (from 2,548 to 2,428 stops), and use of the Justice and Security Act fell by 16% (from 2,711 to 2,283 stops).
• Belfast City recorded the highest number of stops by police district, with 7,050 persons stopped and searched, representing 35% of all stops across Northern Ireland. The overall arrest rate following a stop and search was 7% across Northern Ireland.
• 9% (1,736) of those stopped were aged 17 and under. Of these, nearly two-thirds (64%) were stopped and searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
• 86% of those stopped were male, while 34% were aged 18 to 25. 

About this publication

This report provides summary statistical information on the number of persons stopped, searched, questioned and arrested under each of 5 legislative powers (PACE, Misuse of Drugs Act, Firearms Order, Terrorism Act and Justice and Security Act).

Supplementary data tables that provide additional breakdowns are available alongside the bulletin. 

Further information

Read the full report, view the data tables and background information: Stop and Search Statistics