THE GARDA must not be "stampeded into taking short cuts" because of public alarm over crime, the Deputy Commissioner, Mr Pat Byrne, told the conference.
Mr Byrne, addressing delegates on behalf of the Commissioner, Mr Patrick Culligan, said "Recently, reporting on crime has followed a predictable routine, especially crime against the more vulnerable sections of society.
"Initial shock at the violence involved is followed by an examination of the Garda investigation and frequently a loss of confidence in the outcome.
"While demands for a fast forward to success are understandable, the quick fix has nothing to recommend it. Slower but proven investigation techniques could achieve success."
"We must not allow ourselves to be stampeded into taking short cuts in an atmosphere dominated by current anxiety, rather than by a professional assessment of the needs of prudent investigation.
"When I reject certain types of public debate on ongoing investigation, I do so in the longer term interests of the solving of specific crimes or crime generally, and not because of any wish to `harm the messenger' who, more than likely, has reached important conclusions based on incomplete information.
He said people who disclosed "snippets" of information about ongoing investigations were doing a disservice to the force and the public.
But he said "I will and must accept constructive criticism of this force which is based on accurate information. I acknowledge that we as a force of less than 11,000 people do, of course, make mistakes.
"We are also, through legislation and regulations, more accountable than any other organisation, and rightly so. However, I do reject disingenuous and non constructive criticism."
Regarding the conference call for the establishment of a Murder Squad, Mr Byrne said the earlier squad had been dispersed because it was felt detectives would operate more effectively if based nearer to the location of serious crime and nearer to sources of information.
Following extra training there was expertise in this area throughout the organisation, with support available from headquarters in Dublin.
Those with exceptional skill were regularly "pooled" to tackle major investigations.
He said a number of initiatives were being put in place. One was to tackle "mobile crime". After tests, the force had determined that special spiked chains laid across roads could safely stop cars, even those travelling over 100 miles an hour.
The Commissioner had approved the chains and special training in using them would begin shortly.
The force is also setting up "coastal watch" schemes particularly to combat drug smuggling. Gardai of inspector rank would be appointed in Garda divisions to set up the schemes and gather intelligence on suspicious activity along the coast.
The Deputy Commissioner said that Garda methods, such as increased mobile patrols, rather than longer opening hours at stations, were proving effective.
"Since the beginning of this decade crime has increased by 16 per cent, but crime detection has increased by more than twice that amount, i.e. 37 per cent over the same period."