Well by now you have seen them? In the streets, in the parks and in residential neighborhoods. Yep, people walking and trying to find “pocket monsters” as part of the Pokemon Go app.
Nearly eight million people have downloaded the Pokemon app since July 4, with many going on to try out some Pokemon GBA roms alongside it. The app uses the smartphone’s camera to engage users in augmented reality – meaning an animated layer of Pokémon appears on the screen with the actual, physical world as backdrop. The program also uses GPS to inform users of where Pokémon are.
First the positives, the app is allowing both the young and old to get out of the house and do some searching while getting some exercise while they wonder in parks, neighborhoods and downtown.
Easter Seals Oklahoma Occupational Therapists are utilizing the popular phone app with patients to help with hand-eye coordination when looking for and catching Pokemon. It also helps with spatial awareness, visual perception skills, following directions and instructional cues, fine motor skills, impulse control and social skills in taking turns with peers.
Guthrie Police Department’s Jason Hamilton is spotted with one of the Pokémon monsters in the squad room.
However, the app has caused some concerns around the city and county.
The Logan County Sheriff’s Office and Guthrie Police Department says they have received complaints and safety concerns.
On Monday, a deputy with the Sheriff’s Office stopped to assist a driver that he believed was having vehicle problems parked in the middle of the roadway on Pine St. just north of Seward Road. After making contact with the driver of the vehicle, he informed the deputy he was driving and noticed a character in the game he was trying to capture.
“We want to remind everyone the danger of playing a game or simply using your smartphone while driving,” a spokesperson for the Sherriff’s Office said. “We know people will continue to play the game. We want everyone to do it in a safe responsible manner. It’s never a good idea to trespass onto someone’s property, stop or block traffic or cross the roadway without fist looking. Beware of your surroundings.
Guthrie Police Chief Don Sweger says his officers enjoy that people are out and about enjoying the many beautiful areas of the City, but offers a few cautionary tips.
– Please don’t use the app and drive.
– Please don’t use the app and block the roadway. We have had several reports of the entrance of Highland Park and the roadways within Mineral Wells Park being blocked.
– Please don’t break the law! You are not allowed to drive on grassy areas in parks to collect your Pokemon. Also, if you find that one of these monsters on private property, make sure to get permission before you go get it.
– Please pay attention to your surroundings. There have been numerous reports of people walking into traffic, falling into ravines, etc., due to not looking up from their cellular telephones while walking.
– Please be respectful. The game features PokeStops where you can collect items. These places are computer generated and some of them may be inappropriate for game play.
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