Introduction

“Policing the Peace. The Burden of Duty” is a collection of essays on the experience of and perspectives on policing in N. Ireland. Published now around the 25^th anniversary of the formation of the PSNI and the NI Policing Board, its contents also consider the time before, the time since and the future.  

There are 55 essays that gather and share experiences from the individuals, families, organisations and communities whose lives, work and decisions have shaped policing, accountability and N. Ireland itself.

There are contributions from victims and survivors, police officers, Policing Board and policing partnership members and staff, journalists, community and rights activists, government officials and others responsible for oversight. Different responsibilities, borne by many people in many different ways, each sharing in the “burden of duty”.

The essays are variously challenging and affirming, poignant and reflective, personal and authentic. At all times the approach has been to be respectful. We appreciate that some essays may make difficult reading.

This place is different now than even a few weeks ago. Parading has re-emerged and issues in our politics, policing and the Past have gathered. We hope that the essays may go some way towards understanding and addressing the issues and  challenges we all now face.

Thank you to all who have contributed an essay. We have been deeply conscious that you have shared lived experiences. We hope that this collection honours those experiences.