PSNI reports 22,827 uses of force by officers in 2025/26
Date published:
New official statistics published today by NISRA statisticians in the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) present information on use of force by the police.
Key findings
Between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026:
- There were 22,827 uses of force reported by PSNI officers, an increase of 20% compared with the previous year (19,028).
- The most common type of force used was unarmed physical tactics, accounting for 58% of all uses of force.
- Use of attenuating energy projectiles (AEPs), conductive energy devices (CEDs) and police dogs decreased compared with the previous year. Use of batons, irritant spray, firearms, handcuffs or limb restraints, unarmed physical tactics and spit and bite guards increased.
- The most common reasons an officer used force was to protect themselves (80% of the time) and to protect other officers (78% of the time).
- Alcohol was the most common perceived impact factor when force was used (60%).
- In relation to those persons on whom force was used, 81% were perceived to be male, 35% were perceived to be between 25 and 34 years old, and 93% were perceived to be white. These figures do not represent a unique count of people.
About this publication
This report provides a summary of key statistics relating to occasions of police use of force between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026.
The report details the total number of uses of force by PSNI officers, common types of force used, perceived impact factors relating to use of force and the persons on whom force was used. The number of uses reported is not equal to the number of unique incidents, events or people involved.
Further information
Read the full report, data tables and background information: Statistics on Police Use of Force | PSNI