1. Introduction

The Royal Ulster Constabulary GC (RUC) was to the fore in combating terrorism in Northern Ireland. The costs of doing so were high both in terms of the death and injury of its officers. The RUC performed a counter-terrorism role as well as attend to the civilian policing needs of the population. The impact of terrorism on the lives of members of the security forces and their families is a seriously under-researched topic in terrorism studies. The book addresses this theme in a series of chapters using unique qualitative research material based on work with a number organisations, namely, the Northern Ireland Retired Police Officers Association; the Disabled Police Officers Association Northern Ireland; the Wounded Police and Families Association; and Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross Widows Association.