Is it Absolutely Necessary?

On the front page today there was an article about the various technologies that are in police cruisers and other emergency vehicles.
They say it makes their job easier, but why must they access a dashboard full of technology while driving? I understand that have a computer on hand among other things allows for files to be brought up, driving records and criminal records alike.
However, there have been numerous crashes and not to mention it seems slightly hypocritical. How? Let's just think about how much police rely on the right to pull people over for driving while doing other things, whether that be reading, putting on makeup or talking on a cell phone. Granted- that kind of driving is ridiculous and a danger but if we can't do it why can they?
Is it really benefiting a high speed chase when they are going in and out of lanes? And how often is the average cop on a high speed chase?
Another piece that bothered me on the article was there was very little information on what specifically these computers and other things are being used for..just another abuse of power and position I suppose.