Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Scottsdale Police Officer - Spring Training Press Conference - Pink Pony



Screen grab from video by Peter Kosednar.

A Scottsdale police officer appears to be texting on duty at the Spring Training press conference at the Pink Pony restaurant on Tuesday, February 18, 2014.

Scottsdale Vice Mayor Virginia Korte and other city officials were in attendance at the event.

In an email, Sgt. Joe Nichols of the Scottsdale Police Department Internal Affairs Unit said: "the photo is one of our Patrol Supervisors that works in the Downtown area. It is common for supervisors to communicate with their officers via text message, especially while at an event or meeting, and are provided with cell phones during their shift for such purposes."

"Slow news day, Pete? Police supervisors use modern devices to communicate," Scottsdale Police Chief Rodbell said in a response to a request for comment.

Vice Mayor Virginia Korte, in a response to a request for comment on this story, said "I appreciate your concern regarding our public safety officers, however our public safety department utilizes many forms of communication, including texting."