Police Departments Struggle to Keep Cops Cool as Temperatures Rise

The 100 officers that roam the scorching streets of Oro Valley, Ariz., have patrol cars, weapons, and badges. Last year, seven officers had something else: chest straps to read their heart rates and pills to monitor their body temperatures and log the results.

Hot summer weather in Arizona is to be expected, but police officers are at particular risk: Officers stand outside for long periods of time directing traffic and mediating disputes.

“If it’s hot out, they’re going to be suffering,” Stephanie Griffin, an assistant professor of community, environment and policy at the University of Arizona ...