Pokemon etiquette—catch them safely Published July 27, 2016 By Capt. Natalia A. Escobar Assistant Staff Judge Advocate SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- If you have been outside, you may have noticed people wandering the streets with cell phone in hand. Nintendo’s release of Pokémon Go has resurged the popularity of the 90’s Pokémon franchise. So what is Pokémon Go? It’s a smartphone game that augments reality and uses your GPS to place Pokémon throughout real-world locations. The game encourages players to explore the world seeking out new Pokémon. Your phone alerts you when you find yourself near a Pokémon and activates your camera, giving you a view of the virtual Pokémon in the real world. To catch the Pokémon you aim and throw a Pokéball at it using your phone’s touchscreen. Designers also created PokéStops in various locations where players can collect more Pokéballs and other items. As people have ventured out into the world in search of the legendary Zapdos or the elusive Lugia, they have occasionally run into some trouble or inadvertently placed themselves or others in harm’s ways. While the game can be a great way to exercise and have fun, here are some suggestions to keep in mind while you’re on the hunt: BRING A BATTLE BUDDY One report from Missouri warned that four individuals used a feature in the game to lure unsuspecting players to a parking lot where they were robbed. Be aware of your surroundings, and travel with friends to keep each other safe as you explore your neighborhoods. DON’T PLAY WHILE WALKING IN UNIFORM Since Pokémon Go requires players to walk around in order to find Pokémon, it’s easy to envision a military member wandering the base in uniform in search of the next big catch. But AFI 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel, states it is unacceptable to walk in uniform and use any personal electronic media devices, earpieces, or speakerphones unless it is an emergency situation or notifications are necessary. Unfortunately for your Pokémon collection, catching your first Squirtle outside the Commissary while in uniform is not an emergency situation. It may also be tempting to check out the local PokéStop for new items while you’re working. But recall AFI 36-2618, The Enlisted Force Structure, calls on all Airmen to “(p)lace the requirements of official duties and responsibilities ahead of personal desires.” Airmen must rely on each other to accomplish the mission, so be cognizant of the way you’re using your duty time. DON’T TRESPASS Police Departments have also reported some players wandering onto private property or into public parks after closing. At a military installation, it would be quite unwise to walk into an unauthorized area in order to snag your next catch. Yes, that cute Pikachu may be sitting on the flight line waiting for you to catch it. But it’s not worth a disciplinary action. Jumping the fence to visit an unauthorized area can also trigger emergency alerts and shut down your goal of becoming a Pokémon master. BE MINDFUL OF THE PICTURES YOU SHARE One of the game’s features is the use of your smartphone’s camera to see Pokémon in the real world. As you face-off against a wild Pokémon, you even have the option of taking a picture to share your victories with all your friends on Instagram. But before you share that picture on social media, be mindful that you also aren’t sharing a picture of a classified area, privileged information, or other sensitive information. MIND THE RULES OF THE ROAD! Although your phone might alert you of a Jigglypuff in the middle of the street, you may not stop your car in the middle of the road unless it’s an emergency. In one report out of New York, a player trying to catch a Pokémon swerved off the road and collided his car with a tree. Moreover, under Illinois law, you are prohibited from using an electronic communication device while operating a motor vehicle. This includes hand-held wireless telephones. For the first offense, you face a fine of up to $75, with increasing fines for subsequent offenses. That Jigglypuff is simply not worth it. As you explore your neighborhoods, it’s important that military members use their common sense. Ultimately, no game, or Pokémon, is worth endangering your career or your life. Play safe!