The Northern Ireland Police Authority has appealed to the SDLP and Sinn Fein to join it in discussing the future of policing. The two nationalist parties have long boycotted the body, which oversees the RUC's budget and policy.
The authority has also disclosed that it will ask for legislation compelling RUC officers to declare membership of such organisations as the Orange Order.
It warned that the policing of contentious parades during the summer could cost millions of pounds and perhaps limit the RUC's ability to deal with crime.
Speaking at the publication of its annual report, the authority's chairman, Mr Pat Armstrong, said it was time for an inclusive, constructive approach to policing in the North.
"The debate has suffered too long from negativity with sterile and polarised arguments. We need more enlightened discussion and I would call on everyone to become more involved in the search for constructive ideas which will earn the support of a wide cross-section of opinion," he said.
"I would renew in particular our call to the SDLP and Sinn Fein to engage in debate with us. Too often those criticising the authority for not being truly representative of all shades of opinion do nothing to ensure we hear the voices of those they represent.
"We now have a chance to reshape the police service for the benefit of everyone and to build a prosperous and peaceful new society. I would urge everyone to have the courage to grasp this rare opportunity."
He said the Police Commission under the former Hong Kong governor, Mr Chris Patten, offered the chance "to close the debate on the future of policing in Northern Ireland once and for all".
He admitted the authority originally had concerns about the motivation behind the commission, but on reflection decided the RUC had "nothing to fear from objective independent scrutiny".
There was room for improvement in any organisation, but there had to be change for the benefit of all and not just for the sake of change.
The authority would devote all its energies to carrying out research for its submission to the commission, he said.
In its report, the authority pledged to continue to lobby for legislation forcing police officers to register membership of the Orange Order and other groups. It said a compulsory register of interests would increase public confidence in the RUC's impartiality.
Some sections of the force oppose the proposal, arguing that it infringes their freedom and that their personal information could be available to paramilitaries.
The report recognised these concerns but said disclosure was still "in the wider interests of the police service" and it would raise the matter with the Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam.
It suggested officers' security could initially be protected by opening the register to the scrutiny of an independent inspector rather than making it public.
The authority's chief executive, Mr Joe Stewart, said concern about trouble during the marching season had increased following rioting at a junior Orange parade in Portadown, Co Armagh, last weekend.
A repeat of the public disorder experienced two summers ago would cost the RUC millions at a time when resources were already overstretched, he said.
"This year's budget settlement of £657 million was in reality a cut for the police service, which resulted in swingeing cuts in many areas. The continued terrorist threat and the vicious sectarian killing spree earlier this year added to the pressures," he said.
Mr Stewart admitted the renewal of ceasefires by the main paramilitary groups had "provided some respite" but the continued threats from dissident organisations and continuing tensions caused by the parades issue had prevented the RUC from dealing with ordinary crime.
Appealing for order during the approaching marching season, he added: "At a time when many are openly contemplating a policing peace dividend, a repeat of the disorders of two years ago would leave us with a bill of many millions and untold damage to community relations.
"We must hope that all those involved will respect the unequivocal call for peace given by the electorate on May 22nd."
But the Sinn Fein chairman, Mr Mitchel McLaughlin, accused the authority of prevaricating and said the RUC must be disbanded. "We know the RUC is a secret society. We know it is rife with Masonic membership and membership of the loyalist orders. Let's not mess about any longer. Pat Armstrong should recognise that the proper response to the current situation is to begin with a clean slate."