With the Northern Ireland Secretary Mo Mowlam sitting next to him Leslie Rogers told the federation's annual conference that some of those currently in jail should never be released.

But Ms Mowlam defended the government's handling of the matter, saying there would have been no agreement without the policy.

Mo Mowlam pledges: "No RUC disbandment"

Dr Mowlam also said the proposed commission on the Royal Ulster Constabulary would not lead to a "two-tier" force or the introduction of former paramilitaries into uniform.

Speaking at the Northern Ireland Police Federation's annual conference, she also pledged the release of paramilitary prisoners would be subject to strict conditions.

Dr Mowlam: Pledges future of the RUC

The conference comes as the RUC prepares to face the commission on its future, headed by the former governor of Hong Kong Chris Patten.

Dr Mowlam said: "This will not be a two-tier force. There will be no paramilitaries (in its ranks) and no disbandment of this proud force."

Legislation going before parliament would calm fears about the release of paramilitaries, many jailed for the killing of police officers, she said.

Mo Mowlam: Paramilitaries who are a risk "Will not be released"

"The doors (of prisons) are not going to be opened and people allowed to walk free," said Dr Mowlam.

"Each case will be considered on its own, there will be no block releases and if there is any breach of the (release) licence conditions, they will be back in."

Rodgers: No to "two-tier" force

Earlier, Les Rodgers, chairman of the province's Police Federation, warned the police community would "hold the Prime Minister to his word" on the future of the RUC.

Mr Rodgers said that the RUC did not belong to any political party.

The only bar to members of catholic and nationalist communities joining the force had been death threats from terrorists, he said.

Les Rodgers: "Changes in the RUC must be matched with changes in Northern Ireland"

But he added: "The force will change in the coming years, especially if the peace prevails.

"How much (change) is what we will discuss with the commission."

Mr Rodgers warned the commission must "learn the lessons of the past" and not "place the RUC and the community in a defenceless position", indicating that officers wanted to see paramilitary disarmament before the constabulary could give up its arms and transform to an ordinary UK civilian force.

Only armed police in UK

RUC officers: Fears of a break-up

The future of the RUC is one of the key issues in the Good Friday Agreement.

Republicans criticise the RUC, alleging bias and brutality against their community.

The RUC, which has seen many of its members killed in IRA attacks, denies being the tool of unionist or Protestant bigotry.

RUC officers are also the only police in the UK to carry guns on regular patrols.