What's bugging you? [2019]

[Samurai Bucky]

Ok... new topic...

 

Driving on the freeway last night and a Milwaukee County Sheriff tailgates behind people who were already going 10 MPH over the posted limit. No hazard lights or anything like that.

Once people move over, the officer goes probably 75 or 80 and eventually gets off at the main station at Watertown Plank Road.

 

My son who just got his license was confused. I am also confused. If I did that, I would be pulled over and written a citation.

 

Likewise, I drive officers who are in motion checking out their computer display. I guess if I get something like that in my car and use it for texting, it wouldn't be texting?

 

What do yooz guys think?

 

First part you have to inform the State Troopers as they are the ones with jurisdiction and maybe they will investigate. MAYBE. Would have to have some kind of evidence to get them to think about doing something.

 

Second part there is a statute that says if it is part of the job you can use it. The laptop in the cops car is part of their job function to use while driving though some officers have used this to get away with texting while driving with their family members.

 

The nerd in me had to look it up...

It blanketly states:

 

This subsection does not apply to any of the following:

1. The operator of an authorized emergency vehicle.

 

I guess that answers my question.

 

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/346/XIII/89?view=section

[MrTPlush]

Many states allow any normal person to use a device for emergencies, reporting accident, dangerous driver, etc. It isn’t like they are sitting there on Facebook, a lot of necessary information goes through that computer. Many departments also utilize their phone for official business...so them on their cellphone doesn’t automatically mean they are texting their girlfriend about their date night.

 

As far as speeding etc., again, there are many reasons they will drive fast etc. and are actually going somewhere in a hurry. Also driving faster than the flow of traffic is a way to make contact with as many motorists as possible. In some areas there are enforcement officials specifically looking for distracted/aggressive drivers. How do they catch people on their phone? Coming up from behind and passing on the side.

 

Do some text and drive? Yah. Do some drive like douches? Yah. That isn’t automatically the case in those situations though. Watch some LIVE PD in your free time and you will quickly understand some of the stuff people complain about is them trying to respond to calls. I was watching an episode the other day and the officer had to use his phone to use as a GPS. I’m sure any other motorist would assume he was trying to text and drive...really was just trying to figure out how to get to the scene.

[nate82]

 

Do some text and drive? Yah. Do some drive like douches? Yah. That isn’t automatically the case in those situations though. Watch some LIVE PD in your free time and you will quickly understand some of the stuff people complain about is them trying to respond to calls. I was watching an episode the other day and the officer had to use his phone to use as a GPS. I’m sure any other motorist would assume he was trying to text and drive...really was just trying to figure out how to get to the scene.

 

That's why I said some have used it to get away with texting family members or whatever. I know a cop who does this constantly when he is driving in his car and will use the excuse he is using his phone for work when he is clearly not. In some states at least in AZ you can still use your phone when using the GPS function like maps.

[Patrick425]

Do some text and drive? Yah. Do some drive like douches? Yah. That isn’t automatically the case in those situations though. Watch some LIVE PD in your free time and you will quickly understand some of the stuff people complain about is them trying to respond to calls. I was watching an episode the other day and the officer had to use his phone to use as a GPS. I’m sure any other motorist would assume he was trying to text and drive...really was just trying to figure out how to get to the scene.

 

Funny, I'm pretty sure we were watching the same Live PD (I think it was Friday night). I noticed the same thing and it bothered me even though it appeared the officer was getting GPS through their phone. I commented to my wife that it seems like it would not take advanced technology to equip the car so that dispatch could send the location of the situation directly to the car's computer and GPS directions would automatically be given without the officer having to look it up themselves on their phone. Or at least equip the car to accept voice commands.

[MrTPlush]

Do some text and drive? Yah. Do some drive like douches? Yah. That isn’t automatically the case in those situations though. Watch some LIVE PD in your free time and you will quickly understand some of the stuff people complain about is them trying to respond to calls. I was watching an episode the other day and the officer had to use his phone to use as a GPS. I’m sure any other motorist would assume he was trying to text and drive...really was just trying to figure out how to get to the scene.

 

Funny, I'm pretty sure we were watching the same Live PD (I think it was Friday night). I noticed the same thing and it bothered me even though it appeared the officer was getting GPS through their phone. I commented to my wife that it seems like it would not take advanced technology to equip the car so that dispatch could send the location of the situation directly to the car's computer and GPS directions would automatically be given without the officer having to look it up themselves on their phone. Or at least equip the car to accept voice commands.

 

Haha probably, he was messing with his phone and he was like 1,000 feet from the scene.

 

I think part of it is the fact is they are expected to know the streets etc. without looking it up in their area. Giving them a GPS is kind of defeating the purpose of truly knowing your area. Some departments do have software that will integrate it all together. Some have the old school Garmin..it depends. It is more relevant of an issue for the deputies as they will respond to a much larger area than a city officer.

[Patrick425]

Do some text and drive? Yah. Do some drive like douches? Yah. That isn’t automatically the case in those situations though. Watch some LIVE PD in your free time and you will quickly understand some of the stuff people complain about is them trying to respond to calls. I was watching an episode the other day and the officer had to use his phone to use as a GPS. I’m sure any other motorist would assume he was trying to text and drive...really was just trying to figure out how to get to the scene.

 

Funny, I'm pretty sure we were watching the same Live PD (I think it was Friday night). I noticed the same thing and it bothered me even though it appeared the officer was getting GPS through their phone. I commented to my wife that it seems like it would not take advanced technology to equip the car so that dispatch could send the location of the situation directly to the car's computer and GPS directions would automatically be given without the officer having to look it up themselves on their phone. Or at least equip the car to accept voice commands.

 

Haha probably, he was messing with his phone and he was like 1,000 feet from the scene.

 

I think part of it is the fact is they are expected to know the streets etc. without looking it up in their area. Giving them a GPS is kind of defeating the purpose of truly knowing your area.

 

If I recall, I think he then turned left into the scene. I believe it was a parking lot.

 

Anyways, ok, I guess? But isn't using your phone as a GPS also defeating the purpose of "truly knowing your area".

[NeedMoreFans]

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