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Quarterly Statistical Bulletins

The Office publishes bulletins on a quarterly basis, which provide details of complaints received by the Police Ombudsman.

The third bulletin of 2025/26 was published on 22 January 2026 and can be viewed below.

The key points from the report are:

  • The Office received 2,282 complaints in the first three quarters of 2025/26. This is a 2% decrease in the number of complaints received when compared with the same period last year. It is also the lowest number of complaints received in the first three quarters of the year since the 2021/22 year.

  • 'Criminal Investigation' was the most common main complaint factor underlying complaints, accounting for just over a quarter of complaints received during this time.

  • The Office received 4,117 allegations in the first three quarters of 2025/26. This is a 7% increase in the number of allegations received in the same period last year. 

  • 'Failure in Duty' was the most common allegation type received, accounting for just over half of allegations received.

The final bulletin for the year 2025/26 is due to be published on Thursday 23 April 2026 and will include statistics up to the 31st March 2026.

Complaints received by the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, Q3 2025/26.
Accompanying Excel Spreadsheet, Q3 2025/26.