Law enforcement officers often speak among themselves about how their jobs get a whole lot busier when the weather is hot. And according to research conducted at Drexel University, these types of complaints from police appear to have merit when we take a closer look at the data.
What Does the Data Say?
Three researchers at Drexel's Dornsife School of Public Health studied a decade's worth of crime data in Philadelphia, ranging from 2006 to 2015, to see if the rate of violent crimes and disorderly conduct increased on days with higher temperatures. According to their findings, crime rates reached their highest number from May through September, the time of year with the hottest days.
Researchers said that on days when the heat index was 98 degrees, violent crime rates increased by 9% when compared to days when the temperature was 57 degrees. The rate of disorderly conduct crimes also increased by 7% when the heat index was 98 degrees.
When it comes to winter months, the warmer winter days in which the temperature was 70 degrees saw violent crimes increase by 16% when compared to days with an average winter temperature of 43 degrees.
To read more about the study, please click here.
Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyers in Your Corner
Although this data is far from conclusive, it does reveal an interesting trend in crime rates that people should take notice of. This is especially true for people living in Southern California where the temperature can reach over 100 degrees during the summer months. More importantly, though, this research can be used to help law enforcement agencies better plan how to effectively distribute resources to support officers and better serve the public.
Have you or a loved one been arrested for a violent crime or disorderly conduct in the greater Los Angeles area? If so, you need to get in touch with our seasoned legal team at Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP to get the representation you need to protect your rights. Call (800) 462-7160 to request your case consultation.
