Ms Owens said that restructuring the police force would lead to a reduction in chief constables, deputychief constables, and assistantchief constables.
However, RUC DeputyAssistantChief Constable Cyril Donnan said claims that police used excessive force were "absolute nonsense" and that the violence was orchestrated.
In a statement on Saturday, DeputyAssistantChief Constable for the city Brian McCargo said he was dismayed at allegations that police have a "partisan approach to dealing with street disorder".