The number of complaints against PSNI officers dealt with by the Police Ombudsman is on the increase, new figures show.
The Police Ombudsman's Office has today published its quarterly bulletin detailing the number of complaints and allegations it received between April and December 2022.
In total 2,304 complaints were received during the first three quarters of 2022/23. This is a 5% increase when compared with the same time period last year.
Read more: PSNI budget cuts will mean ability to tackle crime "reduced and slowed", chief says
‘Criminal investigation’ was the most common main factor underlying complaints between April and December 2022. This accounted for 31% of complaints received during this time.
The Office received 3,869 allegations so far this year. This is a 3% increase when compared with the same time period last year. It is also the highest number of allegations received when compared with the previous five years.
'Failure in Duty' was the most common allegation type received, accounting for almost half of all allegations while allegations about ‘Unlawful/Unnecessary Arrest/Detention’ had the largest percentage increase during this time when compared to last year.
The number of complaints increased in six of the eleven police districts when compared with last year. District A – Belfast City saw the largest increase during this time.
There were 23 PSNI officers who attracted three or more complaints that were formally investigated or dealt with by way of Informal Resolution between January and December 2022.
The figures were revealed as Northern Ireland's chief constable warned that his force will shrink to its lowest levels since the PSNI was founded because of a funding shortfall.
Simon Byrne said there will be fewer officers, fewer vehicles, postponed building maintenance and a potential delayed response to calls.
Briefing his officers and staff on Thursday, Mr Byrne said the Police Service of Northern Ireland will have a funding shortfall of £80 million by March, with larger shortfalls to come in the years ahead. As a result, he said the PSNI will shrink over the next three years.
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