This title presents the graphic and often disturbing story of a uniquely controversial institution from its formation as a barrier between sectarian factions, to its contentious and tragic role in the Troubles since the 1970s. At the same time it provides a background history to more than a century of domestic discord, including Gladstone's failed Home Rule Acts of the late 19th century, the partition of Ireland, the horror of the Troubles, and the establishment of the brittle Good Friday Agreement, in which, amid accusations of sectarian bias, the RUC was generally recognised as an impediment to reconciliation and began its transformation into the Police Service of Northern Ireland in 2001.