Fermanagh recorded 117 applications to join the PSNI's 2026 recruitment drive. Of these, 48 applicants identify as Catholic, accounting for 41 percent. This exceeds the Northern Ireland average of 26.1 percent.

Sixty-seven applicants identify as Protestant. Two list their background as undetermined.

The figures come from a Freedom of Information request. They cover applications received after the window closed.

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher stated that reintroducing the past 50-50 recruitment policy, used from 2001 to 2011, is not necessary now. He added that no options are ruled out.

Female applicants from Fermanagh number 50, or 42.7 percent of the total. This tops the Northern Ireland average of 37.6 percent.

Six applicants identify as LGB and other. Two come from ethnic minorities. Both figures fall below Northern Ireland averages.

Age breakdowns show 43 applicants aged 17 to 24, or 36.8 percent. Nineteen are 25 to 29, and 33 are 30 to 39. Twenty-two, or 18.8 percent, fall between 40 and 57. The latter exceeds the 11.8 percent regional average.