Policing and Combating Terrorism in Northern Ireland : The Royal Ulster Constabulary GC

This book explores the challenges of combating terrorism from a policing perspective using the example of the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC (RUC) in Northern Ireland. The RUC was in the frontline of counter-terrorism work for thirty years of conflict during which time it also provided a normal policing service to the public. However, combating a protracted and vicious terrorist campaign exacted a heaving price on the force. Importantly, the book addresses a seriously under-researched theme in terrorism studies, namely, the impact of terrorism on members of the security forces. Accordingly, the book examines how officers have been affected by the conflict as terrorists adopted a strategy which targeted them both on and off duty. This resulted in a high percentage of officers being killed whilst off duty - sometimes in the company of their wives and children. The experience of officers' wives is also documented thus highlighting the familial impact of terrorism. Generally speaking, the victims of terrorist attacks have received scant scholarly attention which has resulted in victims' experiences being little understood. This piece of work casts a specific and unique light on the nature of victimhood as it has been experienced by members of this branch of the security forces in Northern Ireland. Neil Southern is a Senior Lecturer in Politics in the Department of Psychology, Sociology and Politics at Sheffield Hallam University, UK. A recipient of the Lemberger-Mettrick Prize for Politics from The Queen's University of Belfast, he has also published academic articles in leading international journals on the theme of ethnic conflict Front Matter ....Pages i-xi Introduction (Neil Southern)....Pages 1-8 The Challenges of Policing in a Deeply Divided Society (Neil Southern)....Pages 9-44 The On-Duty Threat (Neil Southern)....Pages 45-73 The Off-Duty Threat (Neil Southern)....Pages 75-103 The Impact of Terrorism on Officers’ Families (Neil Southern)....Pages 105-141 The Experiences of Injured Officers (Neil Southern)....Pages 143-190 Women Officers and the Conflict (Neil Southern)....Pages 191-224 The Experience of Victimhood (Neil Southern)....Pages 225-268 Conclusion (Neil Southern)....Pages 269-281 Back Matter ....Pages 283-304