Police Ombudsman records fewest complaints in four years
Date published:
New official statistics published today by NISRA statisticians in the Police Ombudsman's Office present information on complaints made to the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland in the 2025/26 financial year.
Key findings
- Between April 2025 and March 2026, the Office received 3,037 complaints, a decrease of 2% compared with 2024/25 and the lowest number of complaints received in the last four years.
- The Office received 5,463 allegations in 2025/26, an increase of 3% compared with the previous year and the second highest number of allegations recorded in the last five years.
- 'Criminal Investigation' was the most common main complaint factor underlying complaints, accounting for just over a quarter of complaints received during this time.
- Complaints arising from a 'Traffic Incident' saw the largest decrease of any complaint factor, falling by 32% compared with 2024/25.
- 'Failure in Duty' was the most common allegation, accounting for 54% of all allegations received (2,959 allegations), followed by 'Oppressive behaviour' at 17% (914 allegations).
About this publication
This quarterly bulletin presents statistics on the number of complaints and allegations received by the Police Ombudsman's Office in 2025/26. It includes comparisons with previous years to identify trends in the volume and nature of complaints, as well as breakdowns by complaint factor, allegation type, and policing district. A more detailed annual publication will be released at the end of the financial year, focusing on five-year trends.
Further information
Read the full report, data tables and background information: Quarterly Statistical Bulletins