Where to Find the Blotter, Officers and Cell Phones

Is there anything you have ever wanted to know from ? Well, this is your chance to ask. 

Patch has always strived to bring its readers all types of information and keep them updated on what is happening in their communities. It is with that in mind that we bring you our newest column, “Ask Campbell PD.” We will be teaming up with the Campbell Police Department to answer your questions.

Whether you have a question about certain laws and how they might affect you, your family or friends or how to stay safe in certain situations, we want you to ask them. Every week we will run two-three questions and answers. To submit a question, email mayra.marcotte@patch.com or add it in the comments section below.

This week's questions from Campbell Patch readers were answered by Campbell Police Capt. Dave Carmichael.

1. Where can I read the most current police blotter? Campbell Patch and Crimereport.com are somewhat helpful but not current.

Campbell PD provides a copy of our daily log to a variety of media outlets including the Patch and Mercury News. The daily logs contain basic arrest and crime report information, but only reflect a small percentage of the total calls during a given shift. Many incidents do not make the log.

We do not have a real-time blotter. As mentioned in the question, we do participate with Crimereports.com which can be a useful tool for the public to research police activity in a certain geographical area. 

2. Is it ok for police to talk on cell phones while driving? I see this quite often and I'm curious.

Police Officers are authorized to use cell phones while driving. Frequently, they must talk to other officers or dispatchers to receive or provide information that cannot be broadcasted over the radio.  

Section 23123 of the CA Vehicle Code covers cell phone usage while driving.  23123 CVC, Subsection (d) states, "This section does not apply to an emergency services professional using a wireless telephone while operating an authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in section 165, in the course and scope of his duties."