August 13, 2025 | Discipline and Misconduct , Discipline
Request Number: FOI/15203
Category: Organisational Information Police/Staff Misconduct and Complaints
Subject: Police Suspension and Suicides
Request and Answer:
Your request for information has now been considered. In respect of Section 1(1)(a) of the Act we can confirm that the Police Service of Northern Ireland does hold information to which your request relates. The decision has been taken to disclose the following.
Request 1
I am requesting the following information for the last five calendar years (2019–2024):
The total number of police officers (including constables and senior ranks) who were suspended from duty.
Answer 1
PSNI can confirm for the period 2019 to 2024, a total of 144 officers have been suspended from duty.
Request 2
The average duration of suspension in months.
Answer 2
The average duration of suspension was 16 months.
Request 3
The number of suspensions that lasted:
Under 6 months
6–12 months
Over 12 months
Over 24 months
Answer 3
Under 6 months - 33
6–12 months - 25
Over 12 months - 50
Over 24 months - 36
Request 4
Of the above suspensions, how many resulted in:
Misconduct charges being proven
Officers being cleared/no further action
Officers resigning while suspended
Answer 4
The suspensions which concluded were as follows:
Misconduct charges proven – 65
Charges not proven / no further action – 24
Officer permitted to resign/retire – 23
Request 5
The number of officers who died by suicide while suspended, if recorded.
Answer 5
None of the officers who were suspended died by suicide.
Request 6
Whether the force provides psychological support to officers during suspension (Yes/No).
Answer 6
A welfare leaflet outlining the various available support groups is provided to all officers under misconduct investigation, including suspended officers, as well as a welfare officer being appointed by their local district / department.