Police Chief Bans Cell Phone Usage By Officers While Driving

Anne Arundel Police Chief Kevin Davis announced this week that county officers must abide by new cell phone restrictions while in their vehicles, calling it "the right thing to do."

The new state law banning phone use while driving exempts law enforcement, but in a letter to staff, Davis said public opinion is clearly against the idea.

His full letter follows:

"Dear Sworn and Civilian Members:

I value your dedication to this great organization and to the citizens of Anne ArundelCounty.   Your safety, then, is of paramount importance to me.  As critical issues arise that compel me to act as your Chief of Police, I will do so with your personal and collective best interests in mind.  And I will act swiftly. 

Distracted driving is a health and wellness issue that our society is just now beginning to effectively address.  Maryland enacted a primary cell phone law that requires hands-free operation of cell phones while driving a motor vehicle.  This is good legislation that simply makes sense.  Our police department, in fact, has been aggressively ticketing violators. Our vigilance in this regard will not wane as we strive to eliminate distracted driving crashes in Anne Arundel County. 

Police officers must model the driving behaviors we expect from our motorists.  The current cell phone law has exempted law enforcement, but public opinion clearly has not.  Effective immediately, all Anne Arundel County Police Department employees are prohibited from using hand-held cell phones while operating departmental motor vehicles, except when the cell phone is being operated in a hands-free manner.

Our police radios and mobile data computers challenge our capacity to drive distraction free.  Add to the mix our crime fighting obligation to be constantly aware of our surroundings, and the insertion of a hand-held cell phone seems almost ridiculous.  Your health and wellness supersede any arguments to the contrary.  

Thank you for your continued dedication to our noble profession and to the citizens of Anne Arundel County.

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