The first attempts to introduce professional policing to Ireland began in the early 19th Century.

2003
The Royal Ulster Constabulary Memorial Garden was officially opened by HRH The Prince of Wales on 2nd September 2003.
From 1969, many police officers were killed and thousands injured as a result of the security situation. The Royal Ulster Constabulary George Cross Foundation was established by virtue of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 for the purpose of "marking the sacrifice and honouring the achievements of the Royal Ulster Constabulary" and a memorial Garden was established at Police Headquarters, Belfast, and provides a major tribute to policing in Ireland. It, in particular, marks the service and sacrifice of RUC officers and offers a unique three-dimensional experience unparalleled anywhere in the world.