Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – While other drivers are forced to put their cell phones away when they get behind the wheel, police can still be seen driving while talking on their phones.
On-duty police are allowed to talk on their phones while driving because they are exempt from the law that applies to all other drivers.
According to Richard Carey – the deputy director of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police – the exemption is justified for two reasons:
- The cell phone represents a secure form of communication, which is often needed by law enforcement
- Police are accustomed to talking on handheld two-way radios and the risk is somewhat reduced
Nevertheless, there is a growing trend among police departments to require hands-free cell-phone use while the patrol car is in operation.
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