By Samantha Smith
Since Niantic’s release of its popular iOS and Android App Pokémon Go in July, there has been a divide in the country regarding potential safety and privacy issues.
Buda Police Chief Bo Kidd and Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett, however, said there have been no incidents related to the popular virtual pocket monster game in either city.
According to a July article in “USA Today,” defenders of the popular app claim that it encourages otherwise sedentary individuals to head outdoors.
The game allows users to search for elusive “monsters” that are projected on a smart phone screen in the app. The game projects the monsters among reality using technology called augmented reality, which also utilizes GPS technology.
But opponents of the game claim it can be distracting, and could lead to car accidents, criminal trespassing and other bizarre outcomes that have been reported through the media since the game’s launch.
While there have been no incidents involving the app, Kidd said it doesn’t mean they aren’t happening, as he believes some incidents aren’t being reported.
“People that play that game should be aware that they could be held liable for criminal trespassing,” Kidd said.
Barnett said “no serious incidents” have resulted from interested players taking part in the game in Kyle.
While minor infractions have have taken place, Barnett said there have been no significant issues that have “made it to my desk.”
During the first couple of weeks of the game’s release, Barnett said the department received calls for some suspicious activity.
“In the first two weeks, we had calls where people were asking, ‘hey, there’s a bunch of suspicious people walking around,’” Barnett said. “It took everyone a while to know what it was.”
But Barnett said the game didn’t change the department’s tactics toward calls.
“We get called out on a lot of things that turn out to be nothing more than legal behavior,” Barnett said. “We’re so accustomed to that, so it didn’t change anything.”
But both departments stress the need to obey laws when operating any game.
Even if a minor trespasses onto private property, they can be charged with criminal trespassing, although the severity of the charges would depend on the property owner and the juvenile court system, Kidd said.
Citizens are encouraged to report any possible incidents, even if people don’t plan to press charges. He said it would go toward addressing the issue with educating people about safe Pokémon Go game play, Kidd said.
“Parents should talk to their kids about the possible dangers of trespassing or not paying attention while playing the game,” Kidd said.
Both police chiefs encourage citizens to keep the lines of communication with the departments open if residents do experience a problem involving Pokémon Go game play.
