Cost of the original units was $830 each, and since then seven more have been added at a cost of $795. Basic monthly operating costs for service and calls is about $155 per unit. In this large and rural county, the cellular phones save time and money by (1) permitting officers to verify that someone will be home when court papers are served and (2) making it possible to call needed equipment and personnel to remote crime or accident scenes. In addition, the sheriff's mobile command post also has a cellular phone, eliminating the need to connect a land line during emergencies. Communications security is another benefit of the phones. Since the phones operate at the low end of the 800 megaherz band, most police scanners and monitors are eliminated, and sensitive material can be transmitted safely. Strict rules are in effect for cellular phone users: personal calls are forbidden, and officers are told to keep calls brief. While the cellular phones have drawn some criticism because of cost, they have provided an excellent communication tool, and the purchase of seven more units for use by special teams is planned. 2 photographs.