The Royal Ulster Constabulary.
The police
force in Northern Ireland during the period of 1922 to 2001. It was the successor of the RIC (Royal
Irish Constabulary) and the predecessor of the PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland.)
The force had to contend with the infamous "troubles" and dealt with terrorists from both sides of the political divide. Obviously this led to some suspect practices, However given that they were combating murdering terrorists who believed they were engaging is some type of
war when actually it was the slaughter of innocent people some of their techniques where wholly justified.
The force received the
George Cross for bravery to signify the danger of being a police officer during this time. The officers in the force have received since 1969 included
16 George Medals, 103 Queen's Gallantry Medals, 111 Queen's Commendations for Bravery and 69 Queen's Police Medals.
Whilst it
will always be associated with the troubles, the R.U.C. is also an example of a police doing it’s best under impossible circumstances.