The central thesis of this article is that policing in Northern Ireland requires radical change on a number of levels, and that basic principles of human rights and accountability provide the basis for this transformation. The tendency to view policing through a lens of communalism has turned policing into a political football, yet it would benefit Northern Ireland society as a whole to have accountable, representative and fair policing. Based on comparative research into transition in policing in other jurisdictions, the authors argue that a set of principles can be developed to underpin policing in any democracy. The opportunities have never been greater, but the tendency of officialdom to adopt a policy of denial is creating obstacles to change. Unless the culture and practice of policing in Northern Ireland is radically transformed, bringing it into line with international standards, the lack of legitimacy associated with policing there will ensure that it continues to be a divisive issue, and a durable peace will remain elusive.