Northern Ireland Screen's Digital Film Archive is a free public access resource for teachers, students, historians and anyone who has an interest in moving images. Spanning from 1897 to the present day, the films in the Digital Film Archive cover all aspects of life in Northern Ireland and includes everything from dramas to documentaries, newsreels and features, animation to amateur footage.
This film is part of Free
Policeday
Ever wondered what it’s like to spend 24 hours in the RUC? Watch this 1976 recruitment film and decide if this was the career for you.
In partnership with:
Overview
It’s an early start and a long day ahead, from the criminal to the civic there’s plenty to keep the Royal Ulster Constabulary busy. Despite the historical context of this recruitment film there are few hints of ‘the Troubles’. Instead join trainees as they learn to testify in court and read pub landlords their rights in role-playing exercises. As the sun sets, discover there is more than one way for the blue flashing lights to keep young people off the streets and out of trouble.
This recruitment film intended for schools, universities and general audiences, portrays ‘normal’ rather than the ‘militarized’ policing emerging in Northern Ireland. Released the same year that Merlyn Rees announced in the House of Commons a review of security policy recommending the RUC take over responsibilities for security from the British Army. Both the RUC and Ulster Defence Regiment expanded so that the number of British troops could be reduced; the number of police fatalities also increased with this new frontline role. Rees’s policy of Police Primacy, known as ‘Ulsterisation’, was criticised by both the Unionist and Nationalist communities. This material is Courtesy of the UTV Archive.
Related
Green Cross Code - He's Great Green Cross Code - He's Great
Public Information Filler 1976 0 mins
David Prowse (the frame of Darth Vader) appears as the iconic Green Cross Code Man, heaping praise on a young GXC expert.
Mother and Child Mother and Child
Public Information Filler 1940 10 mins
While Jack Crawford is serving at sea his pregnant wife Alice has access to all the care she needs at the local North London welfare centre.
Coughs and Sneezes Coughs and Sneezes
Public Information Filler 1945 1 mins
One of Richard Massingham’s most famous public information films, which lead to the ubiquitous mantra: "Coughs and Sneezes Spread Diseases".
I Am a Litter Basket I Am a Litter Basket
Public Information Filler 1959 6 mins
A heartfelt cry on behalf of the world's litter-baskets.
Charley's Black Magic Charley's Black Magic
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1949 9 mins
Cartoon propaganda short sweetens the pill of post-war coal prices by promising jam tomorrow
Cyclist Turning Right Cyclist Turning Right
Instructional film/TV programme 1983 1 mins
Two young BMX-ers nearly come a cropper in this short and shocking cycling safety film.
Food for Thought Food for Thought
Advert 6 mins Location: Belfast
Hangry animals demand better grub in this bizarre advert by E.T. Green
Kennedy's Bread Kennedy's Bread
Advert 1960 0 mins Location: Belfast
This family favourite is guaranteed to have you singing all the way to the bread bin
Launch of the "Celtic" Launch of the "Celtic"
Non-Fiction 1901 1 mins Location: Belfast
Seawards heads a great ship, the biggest of its day
Belfast Street Scenes 1890's Belfast Street Scenes 1890's
Non-Fiction 1898 2 mins Silent Location: Belfast
A view down the High Street featuring the Albert Clock, a shot of Queen's Bridge and the docks
Disabled Access in Belfast City Centre Disabled Access in Belfast City Centre
Current affairs 1981 20 mins Location: Belfast
Join Belfast’s first female Lord Mayor and reconsider how disabled people navigate the streets of Belfast.
Year of the Disabled Year of the Disabled
Current affairs 1981 20 mins Location: Belfast
Counterpoint explores how government policy measures up to the reality of the country’s mobility needs.
China O'Brien: The Reunion China O'Brien: The Reunion
Documentary 2024 60 mins
Cynthia Rothrock, Richard Norton and Keith Cooke reunite three decades on from the groundbreaking martial arts classic.
Women in Action Panel Discussion Women in Action Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 28 mins
Action Xtreme - the UK's leading action film studio - hosts this panel discussion with four leading women in action cinema - Soo Cole, Jo Rolison, Jadey Duffield and Ioanna Karavela.
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.