Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC)

The Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) was Northern Ireland’s police force from 1922 until 2001. It was responsible for maintaining law and order across the region, which experienced significant sectarian conflict between mainly Protestant unionists and mainly Catholic nationalists. The RUC played a key role during The Troubles—an era of intense violence—often facing criticism for alleged bias and human rights abuses. In 2001, it was replaced by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) as part of efforts to achieve better community trust and policing reform.