E.S. Haggan - Stray Bullets: Policing the Troubles and CPTSD

Shrapnel - Fragments of the Past, Present and Future in Northern Ireland

In this episode Gareth and Sam chat to E.S. Haggan (pseudonym), a former RUC officer who shares his experiences during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Haggan discusses his early career, the complexities of policing in a divided community, and the challenges he faced from both sides of the sectarian divide. He also delves into the mental health struggles that arose from his experiences, including CPTSD, and the coping mechanisms he and his colleagues employed. The conversation highlights the emotional toll of policing in such a volatile environment and the perceptions that shaped the relationship between the RUC and the communities they served. In this conversation, Haggan discusses the psychological impact of trauma experienced during his time in the RUC, the cultural interests that shaped his identity, and the challenges of navigating public perception on social media. He emphasises the importance of understanding and healing in a divided society, advocating for dialogue and empathy to bridge ideological divides.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to E.S. Haggan and His Background
01:14 Early Career and Experiences in the RUC
07:03 The Complex Dynamics of Policing in Northern Ireland
14:47 Perceptions and Challenges Faced by RUC Officers
21:19 Coping Mechanisms and Mental Health Issues
29:04 The Emotional Toll of Policing and Personal Experiences
32:27 Confronting Trauma and Mental Health in Crisis Situations
42:04 Cultural Interests and Identity in the RUC
50:03 Navigating Social Media and Public Perception
01:00:53 Towards Understanding and Healing in a Divided Society

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