The annual conference of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) is to hear calls for worsening gangland violence to be declared a state of emergency.
Delegates at the conference, which opens in Wexford town this evening, will also debate ways to stop imprisoned criminals from continuing to direct organised crime from their cells.
Sergeants and inspectors from Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) South Central, where a feud between drug gangs in Crumlin and Drimnagh has seen nine people killed since 2001, will also propose the establishment of a civic forum "to address the increase of violence in Ireland".
Some members want legislation enacted to combat prisoners on temporary release mixing with others known to be engaged in crime.
One motion is calling for the introduction into jails of technology which blocks mobile phone signals. This would stop crimes, "including murders", from being directed from prison cells.
The debate comes amid the suspected involvement of prisoners in organising a number of recent gangland killings.
Most recently, two inmates in Mountjoy were arrested for questioning in relation to the shooting dead last November of Latvian mother-of-two Baiba Saulite (28) in Swords, Co Dublin.
The Irish Times a fortnight ago revealed that more than 600 smuggled mobile telephones were found in Mountjoy last year alone. Prison sources believe the true number of phones in circulation is much higher.
A key motion at the conference will see representatives from the Laois-Offaly division call for the establishment of a dedicated drugs unit at all district headquarter Garda stations.
Delegates will be asked by representatives from a number of Cork and Dublin divisions to support a proposal that all Garda members be issued with anti-stab and bullet-proof vests, incapacitating sprays and retractable batons.
Delegates will tonight hear speeches from their association's president, Paschal Feeney, and Tánaiste and Minister for Justice Michael McDowell.
Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy will address delegates tomorrow. It will be his last appearance before the association ahead of his retirement, due to take place in November.
The head of the new Garda Inspectorate, Kathleen O'Toole, and Garda Ombudsman Commission member Carmel Foley will also address delegates.
Motions under discussion over the three-day conference include refresher training for members of the force transferred to new duties as part of the civilianisation process.
The conference will also debate firearms training, with some delegates expected to urge the AGSI's national executive to seek the construction of a new firing range.
Delegates will also hear calls for members to be better trained in self-defence, prisoner restraint techniques and personal protective equipment.
One motion has called for CCTV systems to be installed in areas where gardaí park their personal cars while on duty to deter vandalism of the vehicles.
A number of motions on allowances and remuneration have also been tabled.
One calls for an additional salary increment for members of the force who stay on until the increased retirement age of 60.
