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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Multimedia Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend February 23, 2007 Cell phones are part of a cop's work gear What is the Medford Police Department's rule on the use of cell phones by officers? I see them driving and talking on the phone all the time, and I don't see how that can be doing their job if that are distracted in this way. It also can't be good for their public image. -- Curtis, Medford To be sure, Curtis, talking on a cell phone and safe driving don't necessarily mix. Let's hope you start seeing fewer officers on cell phones in the future. Still, cell phones are a part of a modern officer's everyday equipment, and it's still legal to use them while driving in Oregon. According to Medford Deputy Chief Tim George, each officer is issued a cell phone, which also serves as their pager. "We encourage our officers to use hands-free kits when talking on cell phones and driving," George said. "And when that's not possible, that they pull over to use their cell phones." Advertisement Drivers — police included — who cause crashes while talking on cell phones can be cited for careless driving. There have been no reports of officers crashing their patrol cars while talking on cell phones, George said. Each patrol car is outfitted for hands-free cell use. The cell phone fits into a cradle on the dashboard, and the officer speaks into a microphone attached to the sun visor, George said. The work phones cannot be used for personal use. Personal calls are taken on the officer's own cell phone that he or she pays for, George added. Cell phones allow cops to communicate with other officers and have tactical uses. Many criminals have police scanners, forcing police to coordinate their efforts while off their radios, George said. Proposals are floating around the state Legislature calling for bans on cell phone use in cars. Send questions to "Since You Asked," Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; by fax to 541-776-4376; or by e-mail to [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Trunks, Footlocker Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Discount Hotel Reservations Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Debt Help New Hampshire Primary