Three RUC officers were loudly applauded when they gave their views to a public hearing of the Patten Commission in Bally money, Co Antrim yesterday.
One of the officers told of his father's death at the hands of a "faceless, cowardly terrorist" while serving with the RUC. "In the past my children have asked me if the bad men were going to kill me like their grandfather. Am I to tell them in the future that I have no job?"
Another officer urged the three members of the commission who attended the meeting - Mr Peter Smith QC, Ms Kathleen O'Toole, and Sir John Smith - to "show some dignity to a proud force".
He added: "I am a Protestant, but I am a policeman first and foremost. I have never been badly received by the vast majority of Roman Catholics or the silent majority of nationalist people who are intimidated by the violent minority within our community."
An RUC sergeant told the meeting police officers "aren't afraid of change" but he added: "There is concern that the most vociferous voices for radical change and disbandment will be appeased. Policemen and women embrace change, but it should be change for the right reasons."
The three officers stressed they were speaking on a personal basis. Mr Smyth dismissed any suggestion the body was working to a preordained agenda. He said: "I have not decided to sacrifice a year away from my family and practice to rubber-stamp something which has already been decided in London, Dublin or New York."