I. AUTHORITY

This policy is issued under authority granted to the Chief Probation Officer.

II. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to establish a system to ensure accountability for the use of San Luis Obispo County owned cell phones.

 

III. APPLICABILITY

This policy applies to all Probation Department employees and volunteers.

IV. BACKGROUND

This policy is in accordance with the San Luis Obispo County Policy on Cellular Telephones. Nothing in the policy shall conflict or supersede the San Luis Obispo County Policy on Cellular Telephones.

V. GENERAL POLICY

1. Use of Mobile Communication Device While Driving
   1. The use of mobile communication devices while driving can adversely affect safety, cause unnecessary distractions, and present a negative image to the public.
   2. Sworn staff operating marked and/or caged Probation vehicles should restrict the use of these devices to matters of an urgent nature and should, where practicable, stop the vehicle at an appropriate location to use the device.
   3. Except in an emergency, employees who are operating non-caged vehicles shall not use mobile communication devices while driving unless the device is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free use (Vehicle Code Section 23123).  Hands-free should be restricted to business-related calls or calls of an urgent nature.
2. A procedure for cellular phone oversight, usage logs and stipends is to be maintained and reviewed yearly. 

VI. EXCLUSIVITY

This policy will remain in effect until superseded or suspended in writing by the Chief Probation Officer and can be reviewed as needed.