By Brooke Price

In 2019, a study published in the National Bureau of Economic Research[1] discussed the impact of heat and pollution on crime, reporting that overall crime rose by 2.2% and violent crime by 5.7%. In the summer, there are higher rates of arrests for aggravated assault, sexual assault, burglary, domestic violence, and crimes involving weapons.[2]

So, why does crime spike in warmer weather?

Many factors can lead to potentially violent situations:

• increased numbers of outdoor or large social gatherings,
• stress from added childcare responsibilities,
• heat exposure causing agitation or illness,
• higher rates of alcohol consumption at parties or events, and more.

Stay safe this summer by recognizing possible warning signs of violent behavior at home, including increasingly risky behavior and usage of drugs or alcohol, withdrawal from social situations, frequent loss of temper, and physical outbursts[3]. Stay aware of your surroundings in public places and drive safely on busy roads to steer-clear of road rage incidents.

Although the presence of higher temperatures, alcohol, drugs, or mental health issues may contribute to incidents of violence or abuse, these factors are never the sole cause. There are resources available for you to get the help you need.

If you are arrested this summer in Williamson or Bell County, make sure to call Price & Twine, PLLC at (512) 354-1880 so we can review your case.

[1] https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w25961/w25961.pdf

[2] https://bjs.ojp.gov/content/pub/pdf/spcvt.pdf

[3] https://www.wittenberg.edu/administration/campuspolice/behavioral-warning-signs-violent-behavior