For nine years Sir John Hermon led the toughest police force in Europe - the Royal Ulster Constabulary.
He was an uncompromising, blunt and contentious figure whose decisions often incurred the wrath of Ulster's politicians. Last May Sir John retired. Now, for the first time since he left the RUC, Sir John speaks out about his long career as Northern Ireland's Chief Constable.
He tells of the stress of fighting a ruthless enemy; of the controversies that engulfed his force; and of the dilemmas he faced policing the most politically charged area in Britain.