Police use of force increases by 18% in the past year

Date published: 12 December 2025

New official statistics published by NISRA statisticians in the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), present information on the use of force by the police in Northern Ireland between 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025.

Key findings

Between 1 October 2024 and 30 September 2025

• There were 21,553 uses of force reported by PSNI officers, an increase of 18% compared to the previous year (18,245).
• The use of all types of force increased compared to the previous year, except for police dogs which decreased.
• Unarmed physical tactics were the most common type of force used, accounting for 58% of all uses of force.
• Officers most commonly used force to protect themselves (80% of occasions) and to protect other officers (78% of occasions).
• Belfast District accounted for one-third of all use of force (33%), followed by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (13%) and Derry City and Strabane (12%).
• Alcohol was the most common perceived impact factor when force was used, present in 59% of occasions.
• Of those individuals on whom force was used, 82% were perceived to be male, 35% were perceived to be aged between 25 and 34 years old, and 93% were perceived to be white.

About the publication

This publication is a six monthly update, it provides summary statistical information on the use of force by the PSNI, including Attenuating Energy Projectile (AEP), police baton, irritant spray, firearms, police dogs, Conductive Energy Device (CED) and water cannon. 

Further information

View the full report, data tables and background information: Statistics on Police Use of Force