Police complaints rise to 1,143 cases in 2025

Complaints and reports involving the Public Security Police Force rose to 1,143 in 2025, continuing an upward trend over the past four years, according to the force’s annual report.

Of the total cases, 836 involved police officers, leading to 23 disciplinary proceedings. Authorities said the increase reflects both higher public reporting and continued scrutiny of law enforcement conduct.

The number of complaints and reports has steadily grown from 718 in 2022, to 991 in 2023, and 1,101 in 2024. Officials described the latest rise as gradual but consistent.

In 2025, 315 cases were classified as reports and 828 as complaints. While reports increased year over year, complaints saw a slight decline.

Cases involving police personnel rose 6% compared with 2024, continuing a multi-year upward trend. Earlier increases were more pronounced, including double-digit growth between 2022 and 2024.

The PSP said 23 disciplinary proceedings were opened following internal reviews. However, 669 cases were deemed to have insufficient evidence or unclear grounds for further action.

By year’s end, 1,037 cases had been processed, while 106 remained under investigation.

The force operates an electronic system allowing the public to submit complaints, feedback, and commendations covering areas such as officer conduct, traffic enforcement, immigration services, and public safety operations.

Authorities noted that submissions without identification are treated as anonymous reports and may not receive responses. Some anonymous filings may also be discarded under existing rules.

Separately, the Commission for Disciplinary Supervision of Security Forces and Services received 132 complaints in 2025, with the PSP accounting for 105 of them, or 80.5%.

The commission said most complaints involved allegations of improper procedures, misconduct, poor attitude, or abuse of authority.

The report also showed the PSP had 4,955 active officers at the end of 2025, including 4,660 rank-and-file personnel and 295 officers in command roles. About 61.4% held at least a bachelor’s degree.

On operations, the force handled 8,202 criminal cases in 2025, the highest in five years, with 1,921 referred to prosecutors as suspected crimes.

Emergency hotline calls fell to 247,000, a five-year low and a 9.8% year-on-year decline.

Separately, 20,303 people were repatriated in 2025, down 8.8% from the previous year, mainly for overstays, illegal entry, or other administrative reasons. LV