Police officer fined for texting behind the wheel

What a load or crap! Sure it's a bad look and sure the bloke taking the photo with his phone isn't exempt either - but look at the Law.....


ROAD RULES 2014 - REG 300

Use of mobile phones
300 Use of mobile phones

(1) The driver of a vehicle must not use a mobile phone while the vehicle is moving, or is stationary but not parked, unless:
(a) the phone is being used to make or receive an audio phone call or to perform an audio playing function and the body of the phone:
(i) is secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle while being so used, or
(ii) is not secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle and is not being held by the driver, and the use of the phone does not require the driver, at any time while using it, to press any thing on the body of the phone or to otherwise manipulate any part of the body of the phone, or
(b) the phone is functioning as a visual display unit that is being used as a driver’s aid and the phone is secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle, or
(c) the vehicle is an emergency vehicle or a police vehicle, or
(d) the driver is exempt from this rule under another law of this jurisdiction.

"police vehicle" means any vehicle driven by a person who is:
(a) a police officer, and
(b) driving the vehicle in the course of his or her duties as a police officer.


Just proves his WA boss is a dill. Take it to Court son.

[tonguewink]

Load of crap alright; (most) coppers are like the rest of us, ordinary, decent and fallible people. Leave it alone, when any of you lot, taking the high and mighty stance, get pinged is it discussed at such length, by people whose business it is not?

You sign that dotted line, and take the Oath, you become more than the average joe. You are in the public eye every time you don the uniform, and everything you do comes under scrutiny. Rightly or wrongly. It is a heavy responsibility to carry, but hey, don't sign that dotted line, or take that Oath, if you can't do the job. That mans' boss knows that public perception is a large part of that job, and he acted accordingly. My understanding of the legislation regarding texting is if they are not actually on a job , where texting may be essential for a positive outcome , they are under the same rules as the public. Policemen are human, but they are not like the rest of us. They can't be. [ that probably doesn't sound as I meant it] Of course, these are just my thoughts on the subject.

The person who issued the notice did the 'job' a great dis-service in that, 1) there is a lawful exemption for use of a hand held mobile phone (whilst driving), and 2) the officer is being made an example of - when leadership demands the trust, confidence and integrity of your subordinates. The proper response should have be (to the media) 'The matter has been dealt with'. No further comment or undermining of the troops. He's on duty, he's got an exemption, so 'go away'.

His boss, and/or the media unit there are morons.

It is a 'bad look' but that can be overcome with educating the public - there always has been and always will be a law for 'us' and a law for 'them'. And thank god too - how the hell can you have an effective police force when the public are trying to 'police' them?? He's done nothing unlawful.

Matt

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Originally Posted by mudmouse

but that can be overcome with educating the public

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hilarious.



cops on the phone

Police Car causes 3 car Crash - Prospect N.S.W - Caught on Dash Cam - YouTube

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tombie

If I was to hand you an open container of extremely volatile hydrocarbons and ask you to decant into another container, what would you do?

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Pour you a scotch just before I pour mine.

I don't have an issue with people who are employed to enforce laws doing so but I do with people who are not, starting off proceedings. How would any of us feel if that annoying vindictive neighbour sends in a photo of our mistake? It sets a bad precedent. Is it about road safety or just payback. That it was on the news probably answers that question.

What happens when the police officer pleads not guilty? Who pays for the truck driver to come and give evidence in court? Who pays court costs if the police officer wins - the truck driver as he made the complaint? Us as members of the community? It opens a whole can of worms here.

Let's not even deal with how many silly laws are able to be enacted due to the noisy wheel having to be oiled. I can spread a newspaper over the wheel and they need to prove I didn't have proper control but commit an offence handing a phone to my passenger. Is an iPad a phone? What about a laptop? I can message on them too.

These cameras in cars are dangerous. Just wait till insurance companies make us have cameras recording our every move. Will they review it and reject our claim based on something previously done?

When you drive around next just take note of who have cameras in their cars - grumpy old men. Says something about safety is the priority.

All the best

Laurie

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mudmouse

The person who issued the notice did the 'job' a great dis-service in that, 1) there is a lawful exemption for use of a hand held mobile phone (whilst driving), and 2) the officer is being made an example of - when leadership demands the trust, confidence and integrity of your subordinates. The proper response should have be (to the media) 'The matter has been dealt with'. No further comment or undermining of the troops. He's on duty, he's got an exemption, so 'go away'.

His boss, and/or the media unit there are morons.

It is a 'bad look' but that can be overcome with educating the public - there always has been and always will be a law for 'us' and a law for 'them'. And thank god too - how the hell can you have an effective police force when the public are trying to 'police' them?? He's done nothing unlawful.

Matt

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Your observations are interesting. I doubt his boss is a moron, in fact, he probably has more sense than those jumping on his judgement.

Bob, hate to say but I have seen many police officers charged with things where no action would be taken for others. Both by Police departments and other legal related govt depts over sighting incidents.

As in many things in life nowadays it is about how it appears at a particular point in time. What is right or fair comes a distant second. To many bosses today protecting their career path is the most important thing - I think that applies across the board. Easier to throw someone under the bus and claim moral high ground.

we should be holding police to a higher standard
but as you said, politics involved