Can cops text and drive?

Q: Is it legal for police officers to text and drive? -- Kelly in BremertonA: "Kelly, it is legal for police to use handheld devices while driving. the RCW makes an exemption for police officers, because we use those tools to contact victims and suspects, and to find out what's going on-scenes. When we're using those tools while we're driving, we've been trained. We do it when it's safe. And, those tools help safe lives and help us when responding to calls. That doesn't mean they're going to be out driving around and texting just for fun. It's usually related to their job and their duty, and for the call that they're going on." -- Pierce County Det. Ed Troyer