SHERIFF CARMINE MARCENO’S JULY SAFETY & SECURITY TIP: HOTTER TEMPERATURES AND AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR

Studies, documenting a link between excessive heat and aggression date back centuries and all declare the same definite association between the two.

An increase in violence, frustration and aggressive behaviors occurs annually as the temperature rises. Psychological studies attribute our altered behaviors to the extreme physical discomfort that we feel at higher temperatures.

While it is impractical to recommend staying cool during the blistering Florida summer, and while we have no mechanism to lower the temperature, it is imperative that we recognize that we are all victims of the oppressive heat and more likely to lose our temper.

A 2022 study completed by the Environmental Health Department in the Boston University School of Public Health, found that an increased number of patients went to emergency rooms for mental health conditions as outdoor temperatures rose.

Interestingly, it was also noted that the number of penalties, in National Football League games, increased at higher temperatures!

It is my hope that if we recognize the effects of heat and humidity on our temperament and our behavior, perhaps we can take a few extra deep breaths and avoid altercations and incidents of aggression.

Think…choose your words and actions more carefully…separate yourself from potential altercations.

Avoiding stressful conditions, while difficult, may allow us to “keep our cool” and prevent behavioral escalation, road rage incidents, etc.

Let’s have a safe and pleasurable summer here in Lee County!