Concern was expressed in the Assembly over the decision by the Chief Constable to scrap the full-time Reserve. The ongoing threat from dissident republicans and the potential impact on front line policing were both mentioned in the debate.
However, comments from Foyle Sinn Féin MLA that the former RUC reserve was a "unionist militia" roused anger in the Assembly.
She stated: "We are dealing with a discredited force; we are dealing with a full-time Reserve that is an overwhelmingly Protestant force that should have been phased out long ago.
"If Patten had been implemented as intended, we would not be having this debate today. Throughout the conflict, the full-time Reserve has been little more than a unionist militia; it has been to the forefront of attacks on the nationalist community."
UUP MLA for Newry and Armagh Danny Kennedy expressed outrage at the slight, labelling the Londonderry representative's claims - amongst them that the reserve was effectively a nine to five force - false.
He railed: "I was depressed and offended by yet another contribution in the Chamber from the Member for Foyle Ms Anderson. It is deeply offensive to listen to such a tirade of abuse.
"It beggars belief that someone who represents her party's Front Bench can have such a jaundiced view. It is clear that Patten recommended that there should be no change to the use of the police Reserve if there was a change in the security situation. Let me remind the House of current events, including those in my constituency of Newry and Armagh.
"There is a severe threat from republicans of one band or another. Orange Halls have been attacked and destroyed. Only last night, I was alerted to the fact that there is serious concern about an Orange Hall in my constituency."
Mr Kennedy continued: "In my constituency, and in border areas generally, the police Reserve was used, and continues to be used, in large measure to provide adequate policing.
"Let me nail another false claim that Martina Anderson made, which was that the police Reserve was a Dolly Parton nine-to-five force: it is not and never has been.
"We need to clarify that misrepresentation. Reservists have been used traditionally as important backup, even to community policing, and they have played a significant role in maintaining peace and order on the streets of Northern Ireland."
The majority of the Assembly voted in favour of a motion expressing concern at the decision to scrap the reserve and calling on the Chief Constable to leave any decision on its future to his successor.