Dedham Police Chief Urges Safe, Fun Use of Pokémon Go App

Photo Credit: Youtube

Dedham, MA—Pokémon Go, an augmented reality mobile app game based on Nintendo's popular Pokémon franchise, has already taken the world by storm.

The game uses your phone's location settings to create a semi-virtual world where the user is surrounded by Pokémon. In the game, you could be walking around Dedham Square, and boom!, a wild Pidgey appears.

In light of this viral trend, police departments across the world are urging "trainers" to be careful while playing the game, particularly urging people to look both ways when crossing a street.

"While the game encourages users to spend more time outside and in their communities, we caution everyone to be aware of their surroundings," d'Entremont said in a release."Always watch where you're going, let people know where you are, and travel in groups when you can."

The police department also released these tips for residents trying to catch Pokemon around Dedham:

• Stay alert. Keep your eyes on the road and off your mobile screen when walking around, especially in areas where you need to cross the street or where there is heavy traffic flow.
• Do not use the game while operating a motor vehicle. Keep the app closed while behind the wheel. Pull over and park your vehicle once you've reached your destination and plan your route ahead of time if the game requires you to walk to another location.
• Let others know where you're going. If you're walking to an unfamiliar area, tell a friend or family member your plans.
• Travel in groups with friends or family members while playing the game. There is safety in numbers.
• Be visible. Stay in areas where you can be seen and where others can see you. Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Be respectful. Do not loiter in front of homes or businesses. If in a large group, be aware of the time of day or night and keep noise at an appropriate volume.
• Stay off private property and away from construction zones, as well as other areas where public access is prohibited.
• Parents should set guidelines for children. Limit where they can go in your neighborhood and remind them to never interact or go anywhere with strangers.

Joe Lipovich contributed to this report.