A total of 228 people were injured in paramilitary "punishment" attacks last year, according to the RUC's 1997 annual report.
This was down by about a third on 1996. Seventy-two of the casualties were shot and 156 were assaulted. Loyalist groups carried out 124 attacks (46 shootings and 78 assaults) to 104 attacks by republicans (26 shootings and 78 assaults).
While the overall figures were down on 1996, the number of shootings was up - 72 compared to 24. A total of 22 people died in "security situation-related incidents", seven more than in 1996. Of these, 17 were civilians, four were RUC officers, and one was a British soldier.
While 405 people were charged with "terrorist-related and serious public order offences", this was a third less than in 1996. Fifty-three of these were charged with murder or attempted murder.
Generally, crime figures in the North fell by 9 per cent, with burglary and theft accounting for 70.5 per cent of all offences.
Sexual offences showed a record fall of 17 per cent while their clearance rate rose to 86 per cent.
While the number of violent crimes dropped by 9.4 per cent, the number of murders rose from 35 in 1996 to 40, with attempted murders, threats and conspiracies to murder also climbing.
A total of 144 people died on the roads, with alcohol, drugs and excessive speed once again providing the main causes.
The RUC's "strategic plan" for 1998-2001 was also announced yesterday. The Chief Constable, Mr Ronnie Flanagan, said its goal was to lead the force into a new era, for it to become representative of all the people, reflecting their needs and the priorities for policing in their local areas. "We can only be successful if we do soin full partnership with those whom we exist to serve", he said.