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Bratton takes dim view of Pokémon Go

Bratton takes dim view of Pokémon Go
Photo by Michael Shain
By Gina Martinez

Pokemon Go may be one of the most popular apps ever, but New York Police Commissioner Bill Bratton isn’t amused.

The commissioner, speaking at a conference at the Police Academy in College Point, commented on the game, which is the new phenomenon these days. He was perplexed at the popularity of the app.

“I haven’t the faintest interest in that stupid craze,” he told reporters “I don’t understand it. I think too many people have been watching the zombie shows on TV and basically millennials seem to be fascinated with making themselves walking zombies around Pokemon.”

The topic came up after a snapchat video showed NYPD officers in Far Rockaway playing the game while on duty. The new game allows users to catch Pokemon at real life locations using their GPS. Users are encouraged to walk around the city, and at any point a wild Pokemon can appear. Players then throw Pokeballs to capture them, adding them to their collection. There are also various Pokestops, where players can get more Pokeballs. The game forces players to step outside and explore neighborhoods and areas they might never have ventured into in order to catch one of the 150 Pokemon currently available.

“I know there was an incident — facts uncertain — involving several New York City police officers and we’ll take a look at that as to whether there was any inappropriate behavior on their part,” Bratton said.

He said there is a potential danger posed by the game as players are drawn to strange places in search of Pokemons.

“I don’t understand it, I don’t attempt to understand it,” he said “It has no appeal to me and at the same time people are putting themselves at great risk, being lured into certain neighborhoods that they have no knowledge of and subjecting themselves to potentially being victims of crime, much like people trying to buy things off craigslist.”

He also warned users to be aware of their surroundings.

“The constant peering down at their devices as they’re walking around looking for, I guess, Pokemon, it’s like looking for the tooth fairy. They’re putting themselves at risk for accidents”

Bratton’s concerns are not completely unfounded. Several incidents nationwide involving the app have occurred. In Boston two players were robbed at gunpoint in their car as they played in a parking lot. Last week a video captured a stampede of people running in the street towards Central Park in an attempt to catch a rare Pokemon, abandoning their cars and blocking traffic.

As a result of the stampede, NYPD tweeted a set of guidelines to enable players to enjoy the game while also staying out of harm’s way. The tips included: Do not drive while using the app, do not trespass on private property and be alert at all times. They concluded by telling users: “Have fun AND stay safe. Good luck in your quest, and happy hatching, trapping, and training at the Pokemon Gym.”