#teamjenny

https://www.facebook.com/TeamOfficerJenny/?fref=nf Alright everyone, with the quickly growing reach of Team Officer Jenny and the Officer Jenny Initiative, I wanted to take a moment to lay out some Do's and Dont's to keep everyone safe, players and Jennys alike. Some of this might come off as a broken record, but I want to make sure it's clear.

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Do! Look out for your fellow players. - Whether you're simply walking through an area or sitting at a PokeStop in a park, something as simple as having another person in the area can help dissuade crime and potential bullies.

Don't! Patrol or try to play 'Police' - At the end of the day, a 'Jennys' presence is not unlike the neighborhood watch. You are simply there to be helpful IF it's needed, call the police if a crime occurs, and simply be a good citizen in your neighborhood. This never gives you the right to order, command, instruct, or attempt to wield any kind of power over your neighbors. You are an extra pair of eyes, not a pair of boots on the ground.

Do! Report Crimes and offer help IF it's required. - If you witness a crime, you should immediately contact the proper authorities so that it can be dealt with accordingly. If someone maybe trips, falls, or becomes otherwise injured, you can certainly offer yourself up to try to help them, as well! If the injury is more serious than a scrape or bruise, make sure you contact a doctor or EMT versus trying to treat it yourself.

Don't! Take the law into your own hands. - I can't stress this enough. Especially with the guffaw recently regarding firearms usage (open carry, concealed carry, etc.), unless you are an official law enforcement officer or above, DO NOT attempt to play hero. Again, the idea behind the Officer Jenny Initiative is to provide a friendly face and an extra set of eyes to keep a lookout for our neighbors and kids. We DO NOT need or want an armed militia and we discourage the usage of ANY violent means except in extreme moments of self defense. Please, unless you are trained law enforcement, let's leave the guns at home.

Do! Consider introducing yourself. - Many parents and players might be concerned if they see someone sitting quietly and watching an area. They might think you yourself are a criminal 'scoping' an area out for potential victims. Feel free to introduce yourself! Let them know who you are and why you are there and that your intent is to help prevent crime, not the other way around.

Don't! Introduce yourself as "Police" or overstay your Welcome. - You are not police. Unless you are an official law enforcement officer, you have no right to introduce yourself as such and are inviting a host of potential issues and an increased chance of being hurt or killed. If you are explaining the Officer Jenny Initiative or Team Officer Jenny, explain that it's similar to the Neighborhood Watch and is simply there to keep an eye on our neighbors in case they need help. If you are ever asked to leave, or your presence is actively making other players or individuals uncomfortable. Leave. You're there to help, not hurt or hinder or scare. And, allow me to reiterate, you are not police.

Do! Call yourself a 'Jenny', if you want a title. - I know some of you have wanted a title of solidarity. Consider calling yourself a Jenny if you would like a title. It'll be understandable to most of the players and will not be confused with actual law enforcement individuals.

Don't! Call yourself an 'Officer' - I will repeat this again. Do. Not. Call. Yourself. An. Officer. or. Police. This can create a host of issues. For one, it can create a 'holy than thou' attitude that you are somehow above your neighbors (you're not) in some fashion. It can open up an avenue for violence where a criminal might mistake who you are an attend to hurt or kill you. It can create confusion for individuals in an area who might attempt to report a crime to you. So, one more time: Do. Not. Call. Yourself. An. Officer. or. Police. Unless you are ACTUALLY law enforcement, you are begging for problems.

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At the end of the day, the goal of the Officer Jenny Initiative is to be a helping hand in your community. A pair of eyes to look out for those who need help, an extra set of hands to help someone up, an extra voice to call the authorities if they are needed. Please, if I haven't said it enough, Don't ever play hero, Don't use violence, Leave the guns at home, and ALWAYS reach out to the proper authorities.

Everyone please stay safe out there. :)