Pokemon Go raises concerns for safety

Pokemon Go is the hottest thing in the mobile gaming world right now, but local law enforcement has their worries about the popular app and its impact on safety.

Launched on Wednesday, July 6, the game is a GPS based augmented reality app for smartphones where users collect Pokemon, fictional battling monsters based off real creatures. Pokemon Go allows players to capture, battle and train their virtual companions, who appear on their phone screen through the real world generated by GPS maps. Players have to walk certain distances to have these Pokemon appear on their screen, and can also free collect items from Pokestops, areas based off real locations like sculptures, parks, churches and government buildings. The game encourages players, most who are underage, to be active and explore their local towns to collect these Pokemon and battle at “gyms”, which again are areas virtually attached to real life locations.

Though the app is drawing praise for getting children out and active, many in community are questioning the safety of the game in several facets. First, is the worry about children paying attention as the search the streets of Sigourney for rare Pokemon. Much like texting, the app requires one’s attention and players have to look at the screen to locate Pokemon avatars. Sigourney Police Chief Allan Glandon has seen kids playing the game and not watching where they are going.

“Kids and young adults are going around the square, staring at their phones on bikes or on foot, not paying attention to stop lights, signs or vehicles,” Glandon said. “They’re even riding and playing on the streets, leaving them a position to possibly get hurt. They are simply not doing this game in a safe, responsible way.”

Players remain active on the square even at night, when visibility is reduced. Coupled with the lack of attention the players show when searching the area, Glandon feels if changes aren’t made soon there could be problems. No injuries have been reported as of Wednesday, July 13. Glandon would like to remind everyone that there is a citywide curfew at midnight for anyone under 18. Though he discourages being out past dark to play, Glandon stated that light, bright clothing should be worn to alert drivers and be alert at all times.

A second concern is protecting younger players from potential robberies and offenders. Several locations, including the Memorial Fountain, post office, and several churches are gathering points for players to collect in-game items, plus players can “attract” Pokemon to these spots using certain items. In other cities and states, several instances of players being robbed at these public spots have been reported. Because potential criminals know where the players gather, they can easily take advantage of the situation.

Police are receiving complaints from residents of player also hanging around their private properties. Pokemon appear in the game and you have to be a certain distance from them, prompting players to walk around to find them. That can lead the Pokemon avatars to appear anywhere in a residential area, including these properties. While a player’s range is usually large enough to catch them, there are times when they have to get closer.

“There are trespassing laws people need to aware of,” Mallary Snakenberg, Sigourney Police Adminstrator said. “If it’s a private property, you can be charged by the owner. Most don’t understand what’s going on and get nervous when see these kids and adults hanging around.”

Glandon and Snakenberg both recognize the healthy benefits of the game, and are happy to see so many people out for the summer. However, law enforcement wishes to make the public aware of the potential dangers and offer advice to parents/guardians.

“First of all, know what your children are doing and where they are,” Glandon said. “Review basic safety rules with them. “For the players, please have illumination and bright clothers at night, obey traffic laws, pay attention to your surroundings, be off your phone when crossing and stay out of the streets.”