Bill Bratton may think Pokemon Go is stupid, but that hasn’t stopped the NYPD from issuing a series of safety tips for New Yorkers who are obsessed with the game. Thanks to the augmented reality game’s popularity among city residents both young and old—and players’ tendency to do silly things like step into oncoming traffic, or accidentally fall into a pond while trying to catch ‘em all—the department’s Community Affairs division put together a list of common-sense tips aimed at helping people stay safe while playing the game. Some of those tips: "stay aware of your surroundings" (duh), "do not trespass on private property" (double duh), and "tell your kids about ‘stranger danger’," which is a good point.
Oh, and back to Bratton: He called the frenzy over Pokemon Go "one of the stupidest [crazes] I’ve seen" and chided players who are "being lured into certain neighborhoods, that they have no knowledge of that neighborhood and subjecting themselves to potentially being victims of crime," which sounds an awful lot like victim-blaming to us. He also blamed Millennials for the craze, because of course.
Here’s the list of tips, with thanks to Gothamist for printing ‘em:
As the PokémonGo fever hits New York City, the NYPD wants to remind you and your kids of some simple safety tips. As you battle, train, and capture your Pokémon just remember you're still in the real world too! Around the country the PokémonGo craze has seen reports of accidents, injuries and even crimes where suspects have set-up fake 'Pokéstops'. So as you or your kids set out to capture them all:
- Be alert at all times
- Stay aware of your surroundings
- Play in pairs or as a group to ensure your safety
- Do not drive or ride your bike, skateboard, or other device while interacting with the app...you can't do both safety
- Do not trespass onto private property or go to areas you usually would not if you weren't playing Pokémon Go
- Be aware and tell your kids about "stranger-danger". The app may draw strangers together in real life at 'Pokéstops'
- Parents - be aware of 3rd party software apps claiming to enhance the gaming experience however, these 3rd party apps only gives access to sensitive data - i.e. name, email, calendar
- Have fun AND stay safe. Good luck in your quest, and happy hatching, trapping, and training at the Pokémon Gym!
NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton Hates Pokemon Go [NYP]
NYPD Issues Pokémon Go Safety Tips [Gothamist]
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