The Chief Constable said the police had a duty to protect the rights of protesters and counter-protesters.
“Individuals have a right to express their views freely, even if they are at odds with each other,” she said.
“Sometimes we’re looking to balance very, very, very emotive topics, understandably emotive topics, whilst remaining impartial.”
She added: “Protest is designed to attract opposing views. And just because some are louder, doesn’t make them any more right, or any more wrong.”