We all know its illegal to talk on our cell phones while driving. But why is it everyday I see our local police officers on their cell phones just chatting away? Is this legal? I feel if these men and women have the right to cite us with heavy fines, they also should be fined.
2007-07-23 10:00:21 · 14 answers · asked by Green eyed Tlingit 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Alex R-T needs to get off of his high horse. I strap a vest and gun on 40 hrs every week. I have no entitlements because of it. IF it is illegal to use a cell phone while driving, then the officer needs to abide by that law. I don't recall the cell phone course when I took EVOC. It's cops like you that give cops like me a bad name.
2007-07-23 11:07:35 · answer #1 · answered by LEO53 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all, you said "we all know it is illegal to talk on our cell phones while driving."
This is not necessarily true. Each state has (or does not have) laws on this subject. In many states it is illegal. In other states (such as Massachusetts) it is not yet illegal to do so.
If it is illegal in your state, note the guy's cruiser number. Then call the police department, tell them you have a complaint about an officer, and ask who you should speak to. Their supervisor will probably tell them to stop it. Police officers, like all public servants, have an obligation to be models for others to follow.
Above all, remember that everybody is equal before the court. Unless the law specifically makes an exemption for police, ambulance crews, etc, using cell phones while driving, then there is no excuse for them to do so. If you really wanted to push it, you could always take the individual officer to court just like he could take you to court.
But, remember, he may have had a very legitimate reason to use the phone. Learn to give people the benefit of the doubt. If you were using the phone because you absolutely had to, and an officer pulled you over, they would probably give you a break, too.
I must take exception to the response by Alex R-T. As someone who is in law enforcement myself, I can say that I am troubled by some who view it as coming with "entitlements." This is corruption pure and simple. Yes, it is a dangerous job. But we do it because we like it. Nobody forces cops to be cops. If a person cannot be an officer without feeling entitled to break the law in front of the people they serve, ESPECIALLY while they are in uniform, then they are entitled to find another line of work.
2007-07-23 17:28:55 · answer #2 · answered by Jason W 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Officers usually do use their radios or mdts for official traffic. While there are secondary channels, cell phones can be used for non pertinent information to dispatch, other officers, or supervisors. As the other answer stated, officers must complete EVOC (emergency vehicle operators course) before graduating an academy, so if one is talking to his wife while driving, don't worry about it. Strap on a vest and a gun and put your butt on the line every day and then you can complain about it.
2007-07-23 17:17:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I read a couple answers to your question that cite that an officer could be talking about crimes...but wouldn't they be using the radios that are installed in their police cars for that?
I do believe that it is wrong for them to use their cell phones and drive, but they bend the rules as they always do. What can we do though?
2007-07-23 17:11:31 · answer #4 · answered by I ♥ Caydence 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well it could be that they are talking to the dispatcher @ police headqtrs about police things.
or they could be having personal calls during work time. We've all done that right ? but not with a cell phone. I suppose because their jobs are in their cars, there is no other place for them to make them lol.
besides they make the rules, they can adjust them ; )
2007-07-23 17:10:29 · answer #5 · answered by toobingaddict 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is not illegal in California till July 1 2008.
2007-07-24 12:09:55 · answer #6 · answered by Reston 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Police officers MUST use phones.....that's how they keep in touch.
The receive special drivers training to meet the demands of driving the roads and highways with wingnut amateurs.....
2007-07-23 17:54:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Police are probably discussing further crimes which help keep you safe and it's legal because they need to communicate with other officers.
2007-07-23 17:05:12 · answer #8 · answered by Tim 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
LoL, we are so talented we are also listening to radio chatter, sometimes a scanner, a personal radio, group radio for us fortuante to have one, while also utalizing a mobile data computer.
2007-07-23 18:17:18 · answer #9 · answered by DeputyJT 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is illegal, then the officer is wrong, plain and simple. If it is not illegal, then there is not a problem, plain and simple.
2007-07-23 20:11:21 · answer #10 · answered by ARCop 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋