Hi - we as mods have approved this thread, because while we suspect this is a homework question, it is asking for clarification or resources, rather than the answer itself, which is fine according to our rules. This policy is further explained in this Rules Roundtable thread and this META Thread.

As a result, we'd also like to remind potential answerers to follow our rules on homework - please make sure that your answers focus appropriately on clarifications and detailing the resources that OP could be using.

Additionally, while users may be able to help you out with specifics relating to your question, we also have plenty of information on /r/AskHistorians on how to find and understand good sources in general. For instance, please check out our six-part series, "Finding and Understanding Sources", which has a wealth of information that may be useful for finding and understanding information for your essay.

It's actually not for a homework. I am working on an essay about the 1868 belfast riots, and the public perception on the RIC seems to have played a major role in the escalation of violence, and i became really interested in the RIC. Sadly being a full time student and holding a full time job means i have less time to do my own research so i thought id ask here since i wont be finding the time to go through a bunch of articles and/or books