Royal Ulster Constabulary

The Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) was the police force responsible for maintaining law and order in Northern Ireland from 1922 until 2001. It served as the primary policing agency during a period of significant conflict known as "The Troubles," which involved sectarian violence between mainly Protestant unionists and Catholic nationalists. The RUC was tasked with preventing crime, enforcing laws, and ensuring public safety, but it was also often viewed with suspicion or criticism, especially by nationalist communities. In 2001, it was replaced by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) as part of efforts to reform policing and promote community trust.