(07/18/06) UNION CITY ? Summer in the city is proving to be a dangerous time for residents and police officers throughout New Jersey urban areas.

Police in Union City say they?re seeing a direct correlation between the rising temperatures and an increase in violent activities. According to police, many people in the city don?t have air conditioning. This forces residents outside, where they run into each other more frequently and increase the chances of a violent confrontation.

Residents say the heat has made them edgy and less patient when it comes to dealing with other people. Some believe the extreme heat can actually destabilize a person?s mental state. No matter what the situation, police officers say they can?t control the temperature. They say they plan on doing their best to keep the streets safe.