The R.I.C. - A Plea For Reform booklet was compiled by the editor of the Constabulary Gazette in 1907. The publication demanded a “radical reform and re-organisation” of the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC), calling its “constitution and management ... antiquated and out of date”. The regular pay, allowances and pension offered by the RIC attracted many recruits from rural communities. However pay, pensions and promotion were the three major sources of discontent for members of the force.

RIC pay and allowances did not change to reflect the economic conditions of the time. As wages in Ireland improved and constabulary duties expanded, pay levels remained static. This resulted in an increase in resignations and a decline in recruitment figures for the RIC. After much complaint and canvassing, pay increases were achieved after government inquiries in 1866, 1873, 1883, 1908 and 1919. However, the benefits of these pay increases were often minimised by a change in pension conditions. Policemen were required to maintain uniforms and equipment, live in or near barracks and expected to pay travel expenses. RIC members received allowances to offset these work-related costs however they did not always cover the full amount.

Many RIC members claimed that the system of promotion was unfair because it was determined by religion and class. Promotion was based on the length and quality of service, but it was an officer (district inspector or above) who determined a man’s eligibility. The majority of officers were Protestant "gentlemen" recruited as cadets and trained separately to the Catholic rank and file. Few constables were promoted outside the rank and file as they were considered (by a 1873 government inquiry) to lack the "social position and education" needed for command. It wasn’t until 1866 that a quarter of district inspector vacancies were reserved for head constables. The quota was further increased to a half of inspectorships in 1895 and removed in 1919.