People around the country are exploring new areas and searching for Pokémon while playing the recently released Pokémon Go. The game has already drawn a huge following in Sweetwater County, and it has created concerns for local law enforcement.
Pokémon Go is an interactive game available for free on smart phones and other mobile devices. The game mixes real world elements with the game, utilizing the phone’s GPS and camera to place a Pokémon in the real world on a phone’s screen so the user can capture it.
The Rock Springs Police Department has received several complaints related to the game, and the Green River Police report shows at least one incident in which police contacted someone who was playing the game.
Rock Springs Police Department Public Information Officer Alison Deters says the RSPD has received at least six calls related to the game, all of which were reported during the nighttime hours.
So far, all of the calls related to Pokémon Go in Rock Springs have involved juveniles breaking curfew or people in city parks after hours.
No citations have been issued by the Rock Springs Police Department as a result of the game, although officers have informed people of city ordinances.
For people under the age of 18, it is unlawful to be in the streets, alleys, or public between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Monday-Thursday and between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. This curfew applies unless the minor is accompanied by a parent or guardian or is performing a duty for their employment. Fines for violations of curfew range from $100 for the first offense up to $260.
Another concern has been people capturing Pokémon in the city’s parks after hours. People are not permitted to be in parks owned by the City of Rock Springs between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. unless a request has been submitted to the Parks and Recreation Board and approved. Fines for being in the park after hours range from $110 to $160.
While no traffic stops have been initiated due to Pokémon Go, Deters says the department has concerns that people may attempt to drive while playing the game.
“The Chief wanted to remind the public that just because citizens are playing the game, it doesn’t give them the right to disregard city ordinances. It is very dangerous to drive distracted, and that is a violation of our ordinance—same thing as talking or texting on your phone while driving,” said Deters.
Unless utilizing a hands-free device, city ordinance prohibits the use of cell phones while driving. This includes using the phone for talking, text messaging, taking photographs, or any other use which causes the driver’s attention to be diverted.
“Pokémon is the perfect example of ‘any other use.’ It is an interactive application. With the sounds, with watching for the Pokémon appearing on the screen, it’s very distracting,” noted Deters.
Just like distracted driving, distracted walking is also a concern. People are walking near busy roadways trying to capture Pokémon, and it’s important for people to be completely aware of their surroundings so they don’t wander into the street by accident.
“It’s a dangerous combination when you have people possibly driving distracted and then you’ve got increased foot traffic from pedestrians, possibly on their phones, walking. It could become a deadly combination,” said Deters.
In addition, Deters noted that it is illegal to be on private property without permission. While many Pokémon can be found in people’s yards or near their homes, trespassing is never permitted and may cause people to believe their home is being burglarized.
Police Officers are trained to investigate suspicious activities, and people playing the game can often appear suspicious. Officers in the RSPD are aware of the game, but still may contact people who are behaving in a suspicious manner to ensure everything is okay.
Deters says the department is happy to see so many people outdoors playing the game. She says the department has noticed more people on the streets playing the game and interacting with people in new ways, and the department does not want to discourage people from playing the game.
“Enjoy it. Get out there and exercise, but we just want to make sure that you stay safe and don’t cause any other problems with other citizens that could cause injury.”