County should monitor use of government cell phones

While we aren't sold on the idea that cell phones are essential to the conduct of government business -- how in the world did law enforcement manage before these intrusive devices were invented? -- we recognize the bind that Trumbull County commissioners are in with their plan to end all use of government-issued cell phones by Jan. 1.
It seems commissioners Michael O'Brien, Joseph Angelo and James Tsagaris may face some legal impediments in their quest to implement this cost-savings program. County Prosecutor Dennis Watkins has sent a letter to the trio pointing out that court decisions have come down on the side of departmental needs when the issue is budget allocations.
"The use of cell phones provides for the efficient usage of the various criminal justice departments within the county, including the homicide unit, multicounty drug task force and the prosecution of crimes involving the use of guns," the prosecutor wrote. "Other offices, such as the Trumbull County auditor, may need cell phones to reasonably perform their duties."
Law enforcement types dismiss as impractical the suggestion that men and women on patrol go back to communicating the old way -- via their patrol car radios. Police officers note that departments use different types of radio systems, which hinder contact in the field. One of the goals of the new Department of Homeland Security is to establish a national radio channel for use by all safety forces. But that's easier said than done.
Justifying the use
So, what are Trumbull County commissioners to do? First, they should require every department head who argues that cell phones are an essential part of his or her operation to prove that contention. It's not enough for the police or fire chiefs or even the county coroner to say, "My people need cell phones." O'Brien, Angelo and Tsagaris should ask two questions: "Why?" and "How did your department operate when cell phones weren't a part of everyday life in America?"
Once they have the justification, then the commissioners should adopt a formal monitoring procedure. Although it may seem that we're stating the obvious, it is risky to make assumptions about the way government operates.
Who would have thought, for example, that no one in Trumbull County government was responsible for minding the supply store? For the past several months, Vindicator reporters have delved into the county's purchasing procedures and found them to be subject to abuse.
That is why we believe the commissioners should not only establish guidelines for the use of government-issued cell phones, but must also have someone review the bills to ensure that the phones are only being used for public business. Any violation of the county's policy should result in the immediate confiscation of the phone and disciplinary action against the employee.
Misuse of public property is a crime.
Commissioners O'Brien, Angelo and Tsagaris are to be commended for trying to reduce the cost of operating county government, and while they've suffered a setback with regard to cell phones, we encourage them to explore other cost-saving measures.