Concerns have been raised after it emerged that the PSNI use of plastic bullets has more than doubled in the last year.
Details are contained a report published by the PSNI on Friday.
The ‘Use of Force by the Police in Northern Ireland’ report reveals that police use of Taser type devices fired, as well as use of bite and spit guards, have also increased.
The figures were released on the same day an inquest returned an open verdict in the case of Thomas Friel (21,) from Creggan Heights in Derry, who died in May 1973 days after being struck by a rubber bullet.
On Friday a coroner ruled that Mr Friel died of injuries when he struck his head on the ground after he was hit by a rubber bullet.
During the Troubles 17 people, including eight children, were killed by plastic bullets, described by some as Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEPs), fired by the security forces.
Despite concerns over the use of potentially lethal plastic bullets by human rights groups their use has gone up.
Police figures show that between April 2022 - March 2023 plastic bullets were discharged four times.
However, between the April 2023 – March 2024 nine rounds were fired – more than doubling.
The use of Tasers, described by police as Conductive Energy Devices was up by 40 percent, from 15 in April 2022 – March 2023 to 21 over the same period the following year.
Between April 2022 - May 2023 the use of spit and bite guards, including on children under the age of 12, went from 133 to 188 the following year - a 41 percent increase.
The use of unarmed physical tactics were up were up by 26 percent to 12,924.
Patrick Corrigan from Amnesty International raised concerns about the latest figures.
“There is much to be concerned about in this latest report on use of force by the PSNI,” he said.
“The use of plastic bullets by the PSNI is at its highest rate of any time in the last decade, despite everything we know about their potentially lethal impact.
“The rapidly increasing use of spit hoods, including on children under the age of 12 and despite clear guidance that they should not be used on children, is deeply disturbing.”
Mr Corrigan highlighted that the use of force and police dogs on Irish travellers had also increased.
“We will be raising our concerns with the Northern Ireland Policing Board,” he added.
Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said: “The most common reason for our officers using force, as evidenced in this report, is to protect themselves during the course of their duty and safeguard the public from harm.
“Currently the law allows the police to use reasonable force when necessary in order to carry out their role of law enforcement provided such force is lawful, proportionate and reasonable in the circumstances.”
