Austin is now a Hand Free City and use of many Hand Held Devices could now cost you up to $500

Effective January 1st we are now a much safer city it seems.

Driving home a little bit ago I passed an Austin Police Department Squad Car in the lane next to me that was going about 5MPH slower than the Posted Speed Limit.

As I passed I looked over at the officer driving..... Who was looking at the computer screen mounted to his right with one hand on the keyboard.

In thinking about it their Radio Systems require them to reach for and click to talk either taking the mic from it's mount on the dash or reaching for the one usually at their shoulder.....

How are these activities not as illegal as the new law they are now tasked at enforcing?

I think a news crew that spent the day cruising and following squad cars could easily film a number of examples of officers in traffic running plates, talking on radios, etc....

Did you vote in the last local election in Austin?

Why don't you also complain that the cops exceed the speed limit when they are chasing the guy who just stole your car.....??

Why don't you also complain that the cops exceed the speed limit when they are chasing the guy who just stole your car.....?? Originally Posted by Ed Highlight

I do not consider that to be an issue. I just wonder how they justify the regular use of technology they ban.

My question is: WTF does this thread have to do with the hobby?

Did you vote in the last local election in Austin?

Cops computers are a nesisary part of their scope of work.Yes they've rear ended a few people. For Joe and Jane citizen, it's not only handling the devices, but engrossed in conversation you are very distracted. Hell, I've blown a red light or stop sign a couple of times just talking while driving. If it's a 911 to your house don't you want them to pull up a GPS?

My question is: WTF does this thread have to do with the hobby? Originally Posted by ShysterJon

Nuttin.....

niether did the uniform thread, MP3 Library thread, lawsuit against a school thread,private security firm thread, driving while license invalid thread, funeral escort thread.....

those are just from the front page.

Sorry if it was not interesting....

Cops computers are a nesisary part of their scope of work.Yes they've rear ended a few people. For Joe and Jane citizen, it's not only handling the devices, but engrossed in conversation you are very distracted. Hell, I've blown a red light or stop sign a couple of times just talking while driving. If it's a 911 to your house don't you want them to pull up a GPS? Originally Posted by Noid

Computers are a necessary part of a lot of our jobs..... And in an emergency situation I have zero issues in an officer doing what is needed to fulfill his duties......

I don't think that was the case as I drove past the officer tapping away on his computer. he remained in place in the lane another 4 or miles down the road till I exited..... As I recall they put the computers in the cars to provide direct access to information like running a plate..... Old school was officer radios it in and waits for someone sitting behind a desk to look it up and radio him back..... Seems like Old school and a hands free radio would easily keep squad cars a lot safer to operate.....



I'm waiting to hear how some civilian contractor that monitors traffic cameras of toll cameras offers to start issuing tickets to people as they are photographed driving through an intersection or past a toll chatting on their phone......

I just wonder how they justify the regular use of technology they ban. Originally Posted by Whispers

Cause they can.

Nuttin.....

niether did the uniform thread, MP3 Library thread, lawsuit against a school thread,private security firm thread, driving while license invalid thread, funeral escort thread.....

those are just from the front page.

Sorry if it was not interesting.... Originally Posted by Whispers

The uniform thread had a remote connection to the hobby. But you're right, the others didn't. Looks like we need new posters here.

Did you vote in the last local election in Austin? Originally Posted by Wakeup

Did you vote in the last local election in Austin? Originally Posted by Wakeup

Do you believe voting matters?

What I believe is that if you didn't vote, you have no basis to complain about what your city does...if you did vote, then you know exactly who to complain to...which isn't here...

San Antonio is now a hands free city as well.

The answer is that cops do not have to follow the laws. They can sped to catch speeders, or anytime they want to, just as they can pay hookers, fuck them, then arrest them.