Police complaints remain stable while allegations rise in first half of 2025/26
Date published:
New official statistics published today by NISRA statisticians in the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland present complaint and allegation data for the first half of the 2025/26 financial year.
Key findings
- The Office received 1,552 complaints in the first half of 2025/26 – a 1% decrease compared with the same period last year, and the lowest number of complaints received in the first half of the year since 2021/22.
- 'Criminal Investigation' was the most common main complaint factor – accounting for just over a quarter of all complaints received during this period.
- The Office received 2,845 allegations in the first half of 2025/26 – a 10% increase in the number of allegations received compared with the same period last year.
- 'Failure in Duty' was the most common allegation type – accounting for just over half of all allegations received during this time.
About the publication
The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland publishes quarterly statistical bulletins which provide detailed information on complaints received by the Office. The bulletins track trends in complaint volumes, complaint factors, allegation types, and other key metrics to provide transparency on police accountability in Northern Ireland.
The third bulletin for 2025/26 is due to be published on Thursday 22 January 2026 and will include statistics up to 31 December 2025.
Further information
Read the full report: Quarterly Statistical Bulletin Q2 2025/26