Texting in cruiser risky, hypocritical

To serve, protect and … text?

Recently, I was directly next to an Arlington police car, on 172nd, waiting to turn into the Costco shopping plaza. The police officer was female, and appeared quite young. I observed her looking down while we were waiting for the signal to change, occasionally looking up for a second, then diverting her attention back down. I looked closer, and she was texting on her cell phone.

Several thoughts came to mind. First, hand-held cell phone use while driving is supposed to be illegal — though it has been pointed out that police are exempt from this law, as they purportedly use their phones for official business.

Second, as opposed to talking, cell phone texting diverts attention and observation of the user — much more than cell talk. Observation and attention are obvious traits necessary to fulfill the duties to serve and protect — like observing the cars ahead ignoring the red light to sneak through on turns.

Finally, what a disjointed message to anyone else observing another “do as we say, not as we do” hypocrisy. In the alternative, has official police communication truly been downgraded to the mode of texting, while trying to maneuver our taxpayer investment?

Rob Dietz

Arlington