Official Statistics

Northern Ireland Terrorism Legislation Annual Security Statistics 2022

The report details the use in Northern Ireland of powers contained within the Terrorism Act 2000, the Terrorism (Northern Ireland) Act 2006, the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 and the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007 for the calendar year period 01 January 2022 to 31 December 2022.

• From: Northern Ireland Office
• Published: 28 September 2023

Applies to Northern Ireland

Documents

Northern Ireland Terrorism Legislation: Annual Statistics 2022

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Details

The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) today published Statistical Bulletin ‘Northern Ireland Terrorism Legislation: Annual Statistics for 2022. This is an Official Statistics publication.

The report details the use in Northern Ireland of powers contained within the Terrorism Act 2000, the Terrorism (Northern Ireland) Act 2006, the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 and the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007  for the calendar year period 01 January 2022 to 31 December 2022.

Key Findings

Key statistics during 01 January 2022 to 31 December 2022:

• The powers of stop and search under section 47A (Searches in specified areas or places) of the Terrorism Act 2000 were not exercised in Northern Ireland in 2022.

• There were 106 premises searched under warrant by the Police Service of Northern Ireland under Schedule 5 (Terrorist investigations: information) to the Terrorism Act 2000.

• As in previous years, there was limited use of powers provided under the Terrorism Act 2006 and the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008.  3 people were made subject to notification requirements under section 47 (Initial notification) of the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008.

• There were 110 persons detained under section 41 (Arrest without warrant) of the Terrorism Act 2000 and 3 applications for an extension of detention, all of which were granted.

• Of the 110 persons detained under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000, 107 (97%) were held for 48 hours or less. 13 persons were charged and 97 persons were released.

• 13 persons detained under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 were charged with a total of 46 offences, including 2 for attempted murder and 21 charges of firearm offences.

• As of 10 April 2023, of the 13 persons charged after being detained in Northern Ireland under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000, all were still awaiting prosecution.

• 4 persons detained under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 were charged with a total of 6 offences under the Terrorism Act 2000. 3 of these charges related to membership, 2 for directing a terrorist organisation, while the remaining charge related to possession for terrorist purposes.  3 people were detained under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and were each charged with an offence under the Terrorism Act 2006; these were related to preparation of terrorist acts.

• In 2022, there were a total of 13 persons disposed of by a non-jury trial, 12 of whom were found guilty of at least one charge.  A total of 22 non-jury trial certificates were issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland.

• There were 22 Preliminary Inquiries, all of which were committed to the Crown Court.

• During 2022, there were a total of 36 persons convicted of an offence under the Terrorism Act 2000, the Terrorism Act 2006 or the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008.

• There were 191 examinations carried out by police officers under Schedule 7 (Port and Border Controls) to the Terrorism Act 2000; 188 were examinations of persons and 73 resulted in a detention.

• There were 8 designated cordons under section 33 (Cordoned Areas) of the Terrorism Act 2000.

• There were no compensation (solicitors’ and loss assessors’ fees) or agency (loss adjusters’ fees) payments made under Schedule 4 (Compensation) to the Justice and Security (Northern Ireland) Act 2007.

Notes for Editors

This is an annual publication reporting on key Northern Ireland specific terrorism legislation statistics. Figures are mainly drawn from administrative and operational data sources. From 2022, the published report presents data for the last five years.

Official Statistics are produced in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics. They undergo regular quality assurance reviews to ensure that they meet customer needs and are produced free from any political interference. They are also subject to restrictions in terms of pre-release access.

Any queries about this publication should be directed to [email protected]

Published 28 September 2023

Published 28 September 2023