The RUC has been accused by the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission of not keeping adequate records on the firing of plastic bullets.
In a report published to coincide with the introduction of a new type of plastic baton round yesterday, the commission alleged important documents were missing in several files. about the use of the bullets.
The commission's chief commissioner, Prof Brice Dickson, said there were questions over whether the new type baton round was safer than its predecessor. "Regardless of that, it is vital that where such a weapon is used its deployment be accurately and meticulously recorded so that any questions concerning the legitimacy of its use can be meaningfully explored after the event."
The research was carried out on 20 files detailing the firing of 122 plastic bullets between 1997 and 2000 when 48 people were hit, with no disciplinary or court actions ensuing.
The commission found that files often took months to complete and were poorly maintained. The violence at the time of firing was often not detailed and 72 of 189 witness statements were not properly signed.
An RUC spokesman said they were studying the report in detail before commenting. However, in a statement, the RUC said it had fully co-operated with the commission and had replied to February's draft report with "an extensive range of comments".