The Royal Ulster Constabulary and The Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve
The Freedom of the Borough of Ballymoney was conferred on the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve on 1st June 1983 in recognition of the devotion of their Officers to duty and their service to the people of Northern Ireland.
Background and History
The Royal Ulster Constabulary came into being on 1st June 1922 and was granted the right to bear the “Royal” prefix by King George V.
Until 1970 the strength of the RUC was just under three thousand. In the following decade there was an intensive recruitment programme and at its peak in 1990 the force strength had reached a peak of seven thousand, eight hundred male and female officers, supported in their work by almost five thousand full and part-time members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve.
Throughout its history the Royal Ulster Constabulary had to contend with periods of serious violence, but none more than during the three decades to 2001. The RUC, like the community, had to pay an appalling price in lives lost and members injured. During this period three hundred officers were killed, including over one hundred members of the RUC Reserve.
The work of the RUC in the face of continuing violence was reflected in the high number of officers who received awards. In the period 1969 - 2001 over three hundred members were decorated for gallantry and brave conduct. The list included eleven George Medals, twenty-four British Empire Medals, on hundred and twenty-eight Queen’s Gallantry Medals and fifty-six Queen’s Commendations.
The Royal Ulster Constabulary was awarded the George Cross by Her Majesty the Queen in April 2000 in recognition of the collective courage and sacrifice of its men and women over the years. On 4 November 2001 the Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross became the Police Service of Northern Ireland.