ARIZONA NEWS

Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone says high temperatures lead to bad behavior

Jul 13, 2023, 9:35 AM | Updated: 9:49 am

"People are just out and about a little bit more and behaving sometimes in ways that they normally ...

"People are just out and about a little bit more and behaving sometimes in ways that they normally wouldn’t because they’re having too much of a good time," Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone said about summers in metro Phoenix. (Getty Images File Photos)

(Getty Images File Photos)

PHOENIX – Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone wants cooler heads to prevail while temperatures rise in metro Phoenix.

“In the summertime, we have longer days and people are just more active. … People are just out and about a little bit more and behaving sometimes in ways that they normally wouldn’t because they’re having too much of a good time,” Penzone told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Arizona’s Morning News.

Penzone said the Valley’s extreme summer heat can affect how people act.

“The heat takes a toll, people get frustrated. … It just weighs on you a little bit heavier,” he said.

“My advice and counsel is just try to be patient and make good decisions, recognize that the heat will break you. I don’t care how tough you may think you are or how much you think you can handle it.”

Penzone singled out water safety as Valley residents flock to rivers and lakes for recreational activities, often with alcohol in the mix.

“We see a lot of folks hurt themselves or lose their lives just because they’re … not as cautious as they should be,” he said.

Penzone said the temperatures doesn’t have much impact within county jails, which are climate controlled with backup generators.

“The problem more so is just the volume increase in incarceration this time of year,” he said. “We’ll see a spike, and it’s just more to deal with.”

However, the deputies working outside while responding to calls and directing traffic while layered in gear can really feel the heat.

“I would just ask that people be cognizant when you see them out in the roadways, be cautious, be respectful, understand their job is extremely difficult and the equipment and everything that they’re carrying this time of year takes an absolute toll on their body,” Penzone said.

“So, they have to stay hydrated. They have to get inside whenever they can.”

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Police are investigating an officer-related shooting in Phoenix on Wednesday that left two people i...

Bailey Leasure

Suspect car crashes while fleeing police-involved shooting in Phoenix

Police are investigating an officer-related shooting in Phoenix on Wednesday that left two people injured.

17 minutes ago

One woman has died after a crash in north Phoenix Tuesday, authorities said....

Bailey Leasure

North Phoenix collision leaves 1 woman dead, another hospitalized

One woman has died after a crash in north Phoenix on Tuesday, authorities said.

56 minutes ago

Collision in Peoria...

Danny Shapiro

2 dead in Peoria collision; speed, impairment possible factors

Two people, an 86-year-old woman and 90-year-old man, died after a collision in Peoria on Wednesday morning, authorities said.

1 hour ago

One man has died and another is in critical condition after a shooting in west Phoenix on Tuesday, ...

Bailey Leasure

1 dead, 1 hospitalized after west Phoenix shooting

One man has died and another is in critical condition after a shooting in west Phoenix on Tuesday, authorities said.

2 hours ago

Health care for prisoners in Arizona...

Associated Press

Lawyers for inmates ask judge to take over health care services in Arizona prisons

Lawyers for 25,000 people incarcerated in Arizona have asked a judge to take over health care operations in state-run prisons and appoint an official to run them, saying the state is not capable of fixing deep failures in care even though it has been required to do so over the last decade.

4 hours ago

Follow @kstonezone...

Sponsored Content by Bright Wealth Management

How updating your estate plan is crucial in saving money

As you map out your estate plan, mapping out beneficiaries and keeping it up to date is key in order for the most funds possible to be passed down with ease.

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Your go-to plumbing experts in Arizona

Collins Comfort Masters, a trusted name in HVAC, water and plumbing since 1985, is you go-to plumbers for the residents of Phoenix and the Valley.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How IRAs are a helpful tool in retirement planning

When it comes to retirement planning, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can be a great tool for income growth.

...

Fiesta Bowl Foundation

Join us for the 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade

The 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe returns on Saturday, December 28, at 10 a.m.

Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone says high temperatures lead to bad behavior