Cops on Cell Phones

[Bargod]

Alright, that's it, look here everyone, we just had a member ask a perfectly legitimate question and nobody was on mauling duty. We got caught up in some sort of serious discussion, and somebody didn't do their job. tat2me82, you got past us this time, but don't expect it to happen again.


































Okay, wait... serously, I am amazed that we are still talking about cell phones. I talk on the phone when I drive and I smoke, so there! I usually tell people that I am driving to get off the phone so I can smoke because they can't hear me with the window down. I agree with Bubba that there are priorities; the phone isn't it if we are driving. My cell has bluetooth and I have a wireless headset so I can talk without having a hand stuck to the side of my head. Most cities that have banned cells in cars, will allow them with a hands free attachment, whether it is wired or not.

[tat2me82]

I usually tell people that I am driving to get off the phone so I can smoke because they can't hear me with the window down. .[/quote]


me too

[TexKan]

Hey - Bargod...... I believe YOU were headin up mauling duty!!! I wasn't scheduled was I??? Tat - gotta keep up with the important things!! Mauling duty is something we all gotta do - it's an ugly job!

Hell I had to go back and look at the original question....... LOL Let's see - NO I didn't notice anything like that when I was there last month for 26 hours..... little sly fellers musta been hidin those phones!

Either way - Tat is it better - was it perhaps that day or do you still see too many cops with phones to thier heads?

My solution rather than bann everything that's an issue ------ take some WND money, after you buy the vests to protect your PD, buy them ALL bluetooths............ Let em all go wireless & hands free!!

Sorry bout missin the point Tat - it happens round here lots!! LOL

I do have to say - that the issue of "Banning" is ridiculous........if that were the case then .......... oh hell it's just dumb!

[Highwayman]

Originally Posted by Bargod

Alright, that's it, look here everyone, we just had a member ask a perfectly legitimate question and nobody was on mauling duty. We got caught up in some sort of serious discussion, and somebody didn't do their job. tat2me82, you got past us this time, but don't expect it to happen again.

Third page and not even any sexual innuendo either.

[TexKan]

What's happenin to us???? It's a sad day when we can't come up with one comment.

[lurker]

Just this afternoon at about 3:30 I met a cop in the Earp construction zone near Sonic and he was yaking into his hand or on his cell phone. I didn't turn around and follow him to see if'n he was simply trying to talk his hand into sumpt'n... that would'a been way to personal.

[daVINman]

Well, I guess I will be the first LEO to answer some of your thoughts and comments. I for one use my cellphone very often on the job. Your comments about dispatch and officers and the station are very correct. I would have to say 90% of the calls made in a nights works for me are work related. Scanners can be a hassle for us. Cellphones are priceless in these situations, and yes, a lot of the time we are in the middle of responded to a call and having to make that call while in route. Safety, is of course very important. When it does have to be done, I try to use alittle extra caution. I cant think of one person I know that doesnt have a cellphone, and that doesn't talk while driving. I dont know if banning is the answer, but if it does have to be done, use your best judgement, and of course your best driving skills!

thanks DC!

Vin

[OLDHAG]

Will one of our officers on this board answer a question for me please. I just got an e-mail from a friend of mine in Iowa and she said if you were being stopped by a unmarked car even with flashing lights that you could dial *77 on your cell and get the police dispatcher and find out if it is a real police officer that is trying to stop you. TRUE or FALSE.

[daVINman]

I have personally never heard of it, but it seems like it would be a pretty good idea if it was used right. I could see it being a pain for dispatch if everyone called them frequently to check.

sorry I dont have a definite answer for ya, but one of my partners might.

Vin

[WizardofOz]

I would imagine that a legitimate police stop would involve them informing the dispatcher of who they were stopping and where so that other officers know where they are and also for the safety of the officer conducting the stop. I don't know about the *77 code as I don't use phone codes. I imagine that 911 works just as well since most cell phones are equipped with GPS location for that service, but I don't think dispatchers will be thrilled at their emergency lines lighting up with such a question.

I recall an episode I watched on Dateline a few years back about people impersonating police officers by buying uniforms from catalogs and equipping vehicles with lights and sirens. These impersonators were stopping people in order to commit other crimes or for other reasons. The reporter suggested that if you thought the stop was bogus, then a person should call their police number and ask. I would think that you would want to call and find out ASAP rather than having an officer follow you several blocks with lights and sirens on then calling. It may make a few people mad.