In less than two weeks from its release date, the location-based; segmented reality game that is now one of the most downloaded apps in the United States has rendered the issuance of many public service announcements and has posed a number of public safety concerns. Pokémon Go, is a new social phenomenon that has not only perpetuated the increasing problem of public distraction-by-smartphone but actually requires it’s users to place themselves in locations and/or situations that could pose a significant risk in order to achieve gameplay objectives. Some of these locations may include subway tracks, highways/roads, bodies of water, power substations and any other number of dangerous and/or prohibited locations.
The Pokémon craze has already been tied to a number of driving-related accidents since its release. One example of this yesterday was when Texas A&M Police responded to a car accident in which the at-fault driver exited and left the vehicle parked illegally to catch Pokémon http://fox5sandiego.com/2016/07/12/driver-illegally-parks-car Some of the less severe; yet still concerning risks of playing “Pokémon Go” which users have reported via social media include getting sunburnt and dehydrated from walking around outside for hours on end, stepping in ditches and holes causing sprained and broken ankles, walking in to parked cars, benches, trees and even other people.
Another concern of this new phenomenon is the trespassing/public nuisance aspect. Yesterday the Arlington Cemetery tweeted “We do not consider playing Pokémon Go to be appropriate decorum on the grounds of ANC. We ask all visitors to refrain from such activity.” Other “sacred” “Pokémon Go” locations that have been reported also include the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C. and Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland.
The game itself is not inherently bad with the appropriate application of common sense and awareness. Users should practice safety, obey laws, be respectful and use discretion when deciding whether or not to pursue a specific game objective. See below for additional safety tips related to specific hazards posed by the game:
• Risk: Some Pokémon will randomly appear in dangerous locations (e.g. Subway tracks, middle of highway, middle of a river, inside a power substation). Risk Reducer: Users need to realize when one it out of reach and not risk their safety to retrieve it.
• Risk: Some Pokémon appear on private property. Risk Reducer: Users should not trespass to catch Pokémon.
• Risk: Users are overly focused on the screen and become oblivious to their surroundings. Risk Reducer: Look up. Look around. Be aware of who and what are around you. By all means, do not “catch and drive.”
• Risk: “Pokestops” are certain focal points to attract more users. These are typically located at churches, retailers, public locations, monuments and other attractions. Since they are more attractive, nefarious people can stake out at or near a “Pokestop” and commit crimes against other users. This is like someone hanging out by the bank on payday waiting for you to cash your paycheck and rob you in the parking lot. Risk Reducer: This goes back to being aware of your surroundings. It’s best to visit “Pokestops” during daytime hours, with a friend or in a group.
• Risk: “Pokegyms” are other prominent locations where users can meet and battle. By design, you are there to meet and play against other users. Risk Reducer: Use “stranger danger.”
Lastly, should Pokemon appear near the location of an officer making a traffic stop as seen in the corresponding photo taken on campus, do not approach or attempt to pursue it until the scene has been cleared for obvious reasons.
We encourage the community to partner with the UC Irvine Police Department to prevent or report crime by calling (949) 824-5223. If you wish to remain Anonymous, call “OC Crime Stoppers” by dialing 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227), text "OCCS" plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or use the website http://occrimestoppers.org/
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