Sheriff's Office Adopts New Wireless Device Use Policy

This is a news release of the Kern County Sheriff's Office.
Please do not contact the Sheriff's Communications Center.

Date:  Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Time:  9:04:14 AM

Details:
The sheriff’s office shares the public’s concern regarding the safety implications of the widespread practice of using hand-held wireless telephones and mobile service devices while driving.  On July 1, the California Vehicle Code will prohibit the use of cellular telephones while driving unless the telephone is equipped with a hands-free device. 

In response to these concerns, and in an effort to enhance our employees’ and the public’s safety, the sheriff’s office has adopted a new department policy that addresses not only cellular telephone use, but the use of other wireless devices as well.  

As of July 1, employees and volunteers of the sheriff’s office are prohibited from driving any county vehicle while using a wireless telephone, and/or a mobile service device unless the device is designed and configured to allow hands-free listening, talking or operation, and is used in that manner while driving.

The law and our policy make exceptions for emergency situations, including those occasions when an emergency services professional uses a wireless device while operating an authorized emergency vehicle and the device is being utilized for communication purposes only in response to the emergency.